Idaho Law Student Desalyn Swank Drafts Bill to Criminalize Sale of Human Remains, Passed Unanimously by Legislature
Desalyn Swank, a law student at the University of Idaho, successfully drafted and advocated for a bill that criminalizes the possession and sale of human remains in the state. The legislation, House Bill 856, took effect on July 1 and makes it a felony to sell, own, buy, or lease artifacts or human remains taken from burial sites, or to advertise the sale of material presented as real human remains. Exceptions are made for government duties, licensed medical practices, mortuaries, cemeteries, and medical research facilities. Swank, inspired by her background as a mortician's daughter, worked with coroners, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to craft the bill. Despite being introduced late in the legislative session, the bill passed both the Idaho House and Senate unanimously, a rare occurrence. State Representative Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, sponsored the bill and credited Swank's initiative and active involvement in the legislative process. 
