Reduction Facilities and Veterans Service Organizations - Hydrolyzed and Soil Remains - Immunity

HB 677 creates legal immunity for registered reduction operators and veterans service organizations that handle unclaimed hydrolyzed or soil remains (from natural organic reduction) of veterans or their eligible dependents, provided they act in good faith. It amends Maryland law to replace references to "cremated remains" with "hydrolyzed or soil remains" in liability protections, ensuring these entities cannot be held civilly responsible for transferring or receiving such remains for proper disposition. The bill directly affects reduction facilities operating under Maryland's natural organic reduction process and veterans service organizations managing veteran remains. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and updates existing legal language to reflect this new disposal method.