Introduced By: Senators Cicilline, Paiva Weed, Izzo, Perry, et al.
Date Introduced : March 11, 1998
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Chapter 11-20 of the General Laws entitled "Graves and Corpses" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following sections:
{ADD 11-20-1.1. Mutilation of dead human bodies -- penalties -- exemptions. -- ADD} {ADD (a) Except as provided in this section, a person who dissects or mutilates a dead human body is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or a fine of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both. ADD}
{ADD (b) This section does not apply to: ADD}
{ADD (i) A physician or surgeon acting on the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, a coroner or other qualified officer, a licensed funeral director or a licensed embalmer; ADD}
{ADD (ii) Dissection to determine the cause of death when authorized by the nearest living kin of the deceased; ADD}
{ADD (iii) Unclaimed dead human bodies delivered by state or county authorities to regularly chartered institutions for scientific research; ADD}
{ADD (iv) The necessary mutilation incident to embalming a dead human body when authorized by nearest living kin, a court of competent jurisdiction or other qualified officer; or ADD}
{ADD (v) Conduct authorized by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, RI General Laws sections 23-18.6-1 through 23-18.6-15. ADD}
{ADD 11-20-1.2. Necrophilia. -- ADD} {ADD Any person who performs the act of first degree sexual assault upon a dead human body shall be guilty of the crime of necrophilia. Any person convicted of the crime of Necrophilia shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one (1) nor more than ten (10) years, and may be fined in an amount not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). ADD}
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
