The bill amends New Mexico's laws on cremation and funeral services by expanding the definition of "cremation" to include both traditional methods and nontraditional processes, such as reduction by chemical agents or biological processes. It introduces new legal language defining "cremation" as the reduction of a dead human body by direct flame, chemical agent, or biological processing to a residue or soil that may include bone fragments. Additionally, individuals are now allowed to specify their preferred type of cremation in their written authorization, enhancing clarity and options for end-of-life decisions. The bill also updates definitions within the Funeral Services Act to include terms like "alkaline hydrolysis" and "natural organic reduction," ensuring that all forms of cremation processes are adequately covered.

Moreover, the bill revises licensing and operational requirements for funeral establishments, direct disposition establishments, and crematories. It mandates that direct disposition establishments have a refrigeration unit, an office for operations, and supplies for handling unembalmed bodies. Crematories must have specific facilities based on the type of cremation they perform, with traditional methods requiring a cremation retort and pulverizing unit, while nontraditional methods must include appliances for alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction. The bill also establishes provisions for the authorization of cremation, clarifying the hierarchy of individuals who can determine disposition if no written instructions are provided. It requires licensed establishments to maintain accurate records of cremations for at least seven years and outlines the responsibilities of crematories regarding the return of cremains. Overall, these amendments aim to modernize the regulatory framework for funeral and cremation services, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 24-12A-1, 58-17-3, 61-32-3, 61-32-11, 61-32-19, 61-32-19.1