(a) If the whereabouts of the designated beneficiary cannot be determined, or if the beneficiary is the estate of the deceased person, the board may pay to the undertaker who conducted the funeral, or to any person who, or any organization that, has paid the undertaker from funds owned by the person or organization, in its discretion all or a portion of any amount payable under this part, but not to exceed the funeral expenses of the deceased person, or the portion of the expenses paid by the person or organization, as evidenced by the sworn itemized statement of the undertaker, person, or organization and by any other documents the board may require.

(b) The payment shall be in full and complete discharge and acquittance of the board, system, and plan up to the amount paid.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 965, Sec. 136. Effective January 1, 1999.)