(1) In order to promote medical and surgical science, and to provide for the disposition of unclaimed bodies of persons who die in any charitable or penal institutions, or are delivered to a public official for the purpose of burial at public expense, the chief medical examiner appointed pursuant to § 38-7-102 shall direct the disposition of unclaimed dead bodies, except those of honorably discharged veterans, which shall be interred as directed by the commissioner of veterans services, or the commissioner's representative, superseding other provisions of §§ 68-4-102 — 68-4-109.
(2) All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.