The bill amends Chapter 5-33.2 of the General Laws, which governs funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral service establishments, by introducing new definitions for "alkaline hydrolysis," "natural organic reduction," and "disposition facility." This expansion of terminology reflects a broader range of methods for handling human remains, moving away from the term "crematory" to encompass these alternative processes. The bill mandates that any facility offering these services must be licensed and inspected to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

It clarifies the responsibilities of licensed funeral directors regarding funeral arrangements and the disposition of remains, emphasizing that contracts made by the deceased specifying cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction will serve as sufficient legal authorization for the chosen method of disposition. The bill outlines a hierarchy for directing funeral arrangements in the absence of a contract and introduces protections for licensed funeral directors against civil suits when complying with the law.

Additionally, the bill updates requirements for burial-transit permits and specifies that necessary certificates, including cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or natural organic reduction certificates, must accompany the body to the disposition facility. These amendments aim to modernize the funeral service industry, enhance regulatory oversight, and ensure proper documentation and ethical standards in the handling of human remains. The act is set to take effect on January 30, 2027.

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