The Posthumous Care Modernization Amendment Act of 2026 amends the District of Columbia Funeral Services Regulatory Act of 1984 to include alkaline hydrolysis as a method for reducing human remains at funeral service establishments. The bill defines "alkaline hydrolysis" as a process that utilizes water, alkaline chemicals, and heat to accelerate decomposition. Additionally, it introduces a definition for "cremation" as the incineration of a dead human body. The existing language regarding burial and cremation is updated to include alkaline hydrolysis as an accepted method of disposition.

Furthermore, the bill makes conforming changes to the Vital Records Modernization Amendment Act of 2018, including redesignating certain paragraphs and updating definitions to align with the newly introduced alkaline hydrolysis process. It modifies references to human remains and the products of cremation to encompass both cremation and alkaline hydrolysis. The act will take effect following approval by the Mayor and a 30-day Congressional review period.