This bill amends Arkansas laws concerning embalmers and funeral directors by introducing comprehensive regulations for alkaline hydrolysis facilities, which are used for the process of resomation. Key provisions include the requirement that full-time managers of funeral establishments must be licensed funeral directors in good standing and reside within 50 miles of the establishment. The bill expands the scope of prohibited conduct for licensees to include operating a crematory retort and outlines the responsibilities of funeral establishments, alkaline hydrolysis facilities, and crematories in the handling and storage of dead human bodies. It establishes a new subchapter dedicated to alkaline hydrolysis, mandating that only licensed facilities may perform this process and setting standards for their construction and operation in compliance with local building codes and environmental regulations.

Additionally, the bill details the licensing application process for alkaline hydrolysis facilities, requiring liability insurance and environmental permits. It mandates strict protocols for handling human remains, including the issuance of written receipts for deliveries and maintaining records of each resomation for at least seven years. The bill also clarifies that resomation cannot occur without authorization from the coroner or medical examiner when applicable, and it specifies that only individuals from whom body parts were removed or their representatives can arrange for resomation. By including alkaline hydrolysis as a recognized practice within funeral services, the bill establishes qualifications for operators of these facilities, ensuring adherence to public health and safety standards.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB440 V2 - 3-31-2025 02:42 PM: 17-29-304(b), 17-29-311(a), 17-29-311(e), 17-29-311(f), 17-29-313, 03-31-2025, 8-4-203, 17-29-208, 17-29-401, 23-61-1101, 23-61-1103(a)
Old version SB440 Original - 3-12-2025 01:06 PM: 17-29-304(b), 17-29-311(a), 17-29-311(e), 17-29-311(f), 17-29-313, 8-4-203, 17-29-208, 17-29-401, 23-61-1101, 23-61-1103(a)
SB 440: 17-29-304(b), 17-29-311(a), 17-29-311(e), 17-29-311(f), 17-29-313, 8-4-203, 17-29-208, 17-29-401, 23-61-1101, 23-61-1103(a)