We are seeking to amend Iowa's current law regarding Authorization of Cremation, which requires both parents to sign for a cremation to occur, regardless of the minor child's wishes or parental circumstances. In the case of Taaliyah Bassett, a 17-year-old who passed away on June 15, 2025, after a prolonged battle with metastatic melanoma, her father withheld consent for cremation due to wanting to be released on his outstanding child support obligations.

Taaliyah had expressed her desire to be cremated and return home to her mother, Colleen Miller, who honored her daughter's wish for a dignified sendoff with a horse & carriage. However, the current law hinders Colleen's ability to fulfill Taaliyah's final wish without undue delay and expense. Taaliyah was finally granted by the courts permission to be cremated on 9/16/2025 (that’s 3 months in a funeral home cooler) This petition aims to grant custodial parents the authority to make decisions regarding burial or cremation, ensuring that families like Colleen's can find closure without unnecessary legal hurdles.

By supporting this change, we can prevent similar situations where families are left in limbo, unable to lay their loved ones to rest due to outdated legislation. We urge the courts to consider the emotional toll on families and the importance of respecting the wishes of the deceased and their primary caregivers.