The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7173 seeks to establish regulations for the practice of natural organic reduction, or terramation, as a method for the disposition of human remains in Connecticut. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "cemetery corporation," "holding facility," and "natural organic reduction facility," and outlines the responsibilities of cemetery corporations operating these facilities. These responsibilities include maintaining cleanliness and security, ensuring privacy during the reduction process, and obtaining a natural organic reduction permit from the Commissioner of Public Health. The bill mandates that remains be delivered in a decomposable container, with identity confirmation required before the process begins. It also requires a signed natural organic reduction authorization form from an immediate family member or authorized agent, detailing any potentially hazardous materials.

Furthermore, the legislation prohibits the removal of remains from their containers without proper authorization and mandates that remains be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. It establishes protocols for handling remains, including conditions for opening containers and necessary documentation. The bill also sets certification requirements for facility employees and outlines the approval process for cemetery corporations wishing to operate natural organic reduction facilities, which includes submitting a business plan to the Commissioner of Public Health. The Department of Public Health is empowered to protect human remains in case of facility closures, and regulations to implement these provisions are to be adopted by October 1, 2026, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2025.