The bill amends Chapter 5-33.2 of the General Laws, which governs "Funeral Director/Embalmer and Funeral Service Establishments," by introducing new definitions and terminology related to body disposition methods. Key insertions include terms such as "alkaline hydrolysis," "natural organic reduction (NOR)," and "disposition facility," which replace the term "crematory" to reflect a broader understanding of human remains disposition. The bill mandates that all licensed disposition facilities undergo inspections at least twice a year to ensure compliance with sanitation and public health standards. It also establishes that no facility can conduct human remains disposition without the necessary licenses and permits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high operational standards.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of licensed funeral directors and establishments regarding funeral service contracts, specifying that the terms of an existing contract dictate the goods and services provided at the time of a person's death. It introduces a hierarchy of authority for making funeral arrangements when no contract exists and protects licensed providers from civil liability when adhering to these regulations. The bill also updates licensing and renewal fees, including a new fee for disposition facilities, and introduces requirements for burial-transit permits and processing timelines for deceased bodies. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the regulatory framework for funeral services and ensure the dignified treatment of human remains, with an effective date set for January 30, 2027.

Statutes affected:
5110: 23-1-54, 23-3-18