General Assembly Raised Bill No. 7173 seeks to establish regulations for the practice of natural organic reduction, or terramation, as a method for the disposition of human remains in Connecticut. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "cemetery corporation," "holding facility," and "natural organic reduction facility," while outlining the responsibilities of cemetery corporations that operate these facilities. Key provisions include the requirement for a natural organic reduction permit from the Commissioner of Public Health, the necessity of a signed authorization form from a family member or agent, and the stipulation that remains must be delivered in a decomposable container. The bill emphasizes the importance of confirming the identity of the deceased and mandates documentation of actions taken regarding the remains.

Furthermore, the legislation prohibits the removal of remains from their containers without proper authorization and ensures that any transfer of remains is conducted with dignity. It also prohibits the commingling of remains from different individuals without authorization and requires thorough cleaning and separation of remains before placement in individual containers. The bill establishes certification requirements for employees at natural organic reduction facilities and outlines the approval process for cemetery corporations, including the submission of operational plans and payment of inspection fees. The Commissioner of Public Health is tasked with adopting regulations to implement these provisions by October 1, 2026, with the law set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Overall, the bill aims to ensure respectful and safe handling of human remains while promoting environmentally friendly burial practices.