This bill introduces the concept of natural organic reduction, or controlled supervised decomposition, as a method for handling human remains in New Jersey. It amends existing laws related to mortuary science to include definitions for "natural organic reduction" and "natural organic reduction facility," which are described as processes and spaces dedicated to converting human remains into a soil-like product. The bill also updates the definitions of various terms related to mortuary science, such as "practitioner of mortuary science," and establishes that these facilities must be registered with the New Jersey State Board of Mortuary Science, which will oversee their operation and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Additionally, the bill empowers the board to adopt rules and regulations concerning the operation of natural organic reduction facilities, including minimum requirements for their maintenance and the process of conducting natural organic reduction. It mandates that any individual or entity operating such a facility must be registered with the board, display their registration and licenses prominently, and ensure that the facility is supervised by a licensed practitioner of mortuary science or funeral director. The bill aims to modernize the handling of human remains while ensuring public health and safety standards are upheld.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:7-34, 45:7-38, 45:7-55