NASHVILLE - A bill allowing Hamilton County to cremate instead of bury local residents who die penniless is on its way to Gov. Bill Haslam after finally passing the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Bo Watson, R-Hixson, passed 28-3. The House approved the bill, requested by Hamilton County officials, last month.

Last week, Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga, requested the bill be delayed in light of the Hamilton County Commission's refusal to put the overhaul of Erlanger hospital's governance to an "up-or-down" vote.