Bills would criminalize not reporting deaths

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan residents who fail to report the discovery of a dead body would face criminal penalties under legislation approved by the state Senate. Measures approved Tuesday by unanimous votes next go to the state House. The measures would require reporting the discovery of a deceased person to a law enforcement officer, 911 operator or a funeral home. Failure to comply could result in misdemeanor charges punishable by up to a year in prison. Not reporting a death would result in felony charges and up to five years of prison if it were determined that a violation occurred with the intent of hiding a death or the cause of death. ---------------- The bills are Senate Bills 231 and 380. Published: Thu, Jun 9, 2011