PA Could Criminalize Failure To Report A Dead Body

HARRISBURG, PA — A state lawmaker wants to make it a criminal offense if people fail to report a dead body they discover.

State Rep. David Delloso, a Montgomery County Democrat, noted in a memo to colleagues that while some states require all individuals to report the death or discovery of a body, Pennsylvania does not. He cited several examples across the country in which deaths went unreported for prolonged periods.

"In California, a woman lived with her deceased mother in her home for over a year, while a man in Fredrick, Virginia, continued to stay with his deceased grandfather months after his death," Delloso wrote. "Continuing to allow this not only poses a health risk, but creates opportunities for fraudulent activity using the deceased’s benefits or other assets."

Currently, law enforcement and medical professionals are required to report deaths. Delloso's legislation would require everyone to notify a 911 system, physician or other medical professional, law enforcement agency or funeral home of a death or discovery of a body.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that all of our constituents, including those who have passed, are treated with respect and kept safe from fraud," Delloso wrote. "(This legislation would)
preserve the dignity of those who pass away and deter the unjust use of heir assets."