The proposed bill aims to establish the "Natural Organic Reduction Act" in West Virginia, which would recognize Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) as a lawful method for the final disposition of human remains. The bill outlines the legislative findings that support this method, emphasizing its scientific basis and the importance of providing consumers with diverse and dignified options for handling human remains. It defines key terms related to NOR, including what constitutes a NOR facility and operator, and sets forth the regulatory framework under which NOR will be conducted, specifically granting the Department of Health exclusive authority to oversee the process.

Additionally, the bill specifies that NOR operators will not be required to hold funeral director or embalmer licenses, thereby distinguishing NOR from traditional funeral services. It establishes standards for NOR facilities, including sanitation and safety requirements, and clarifies that the material resulting from the NOR process will not be classified as waste and can be returned to families or used for memorial purposes. The bill also includes provisions for rulemaking, conflict resolution, and severability, ensuring that the new regulations will be implemented effectively while maintaining compliance with existing laws regarding death certification and recordkeeping.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-5EE-1, 16-5EE-2, 16-5EE-3, 16-5EE-4, 16-5EE-5, 16-5EE-6, 16-5EE-7, 16-5EE-8, 16-5EE-9, 16-5EE-10, 16-5EE-11, 16-5EE-12