This bill expands the scope of Chapter 5-33.2 of the General Laws, which pertains to funeral service establishments, to include "Natural Organic Reduction" in its title, reflecting the addition of this new practice to the chapter. Natural organic reduction is defined as the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. The bill introduces new definitions and regulations for this practice, including terms such as "natural organic reduction authorization," "natural organic reduction facility," and "holding facility." It also redefines embalming to include natural organic reduction and specifies that it is illegal to practice funeral directing, embalming, or natural organic reduction without a proper license. The bill outlines the process for establishing natural organic reduction facilities, including inspection by the Rhode Island Department of Health, and mandates that these facilities maintain a clean, orderly, and sanitary environment.

The bill also includes provisions for the privacy and security of natural organic reduction facilities, requiring secure entrances and windows to ensure privacy. Access to the facility during the natural organic reduction process is limited to authorized individuals. The bill details the identification process for deceased individuals, the handling of remains, and the requirement for a natural organic reduction permit and authorization form to accompany the remains. It prohibits the commingling of remains from different individuals unless authorized and outlines the process for the processing and disposal of remains, including pulverization and labeling. Employees involved in the natural organic reduction process must be certified, and the bill would take effect upon passage.