BURLINGTON, IOWA (AP) -- Des Moines County is studying a state law that requires bodies of poor people to be offered to medical schools before being buried at taxpayers' expense.
   
Assistant County Attorney Amy Beavers turned up the law while reviewing state law to update a county manual.
   
According to the law, once a college or medical school has finished with the body, it will be properly buried or cremated. There are exceptions for veterans and for those who left a written declaration of what should happen to the body.
   
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Beavers told county supervisors about the law during a workshop last week.
   
Supervisors want to talk with funeral directors about the law before implementing it. Funeral homes must inform the county when an indigent funeral is required.

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