A Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing to close a gap in state law after recent cases involving stolen human remains.
Luzerne County Republican Rep. Brenda Pugh has introduced House Bill 2256, which would make stealing and selling human remains a third-degree felony. Currently, offenders can be charged with abuse of a corpse or theft-related crimes, but selling body parts is not explicitly illegal under Pennsylvania law. Pugh said the proposal is aimed at those who disturb graves or violate a person’s final wishes, not individuals who legally obtain remains.
The bill follows high-profile cases involving grave robbing and an interstate trafficking ring, and has drawn bipartisan support as it awaits consideration in the House Judiciary Committee.
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