An Act expanding after-death care options
This bill expands the options for handling human remains in Massachusetts by legally recognizing alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction alongside traditional cremation. It directly affects funeral homes, cemeteries, and families by amending state laws to allow these new methods and updating definitions to include them. The legislation requires facilities that offer these services to have their equipment and land designated specifically for the disposal of the dead, similar to current rules for cremation. By adding these terms to various sections of the General Laws, the bill formalizes these processes as standard alternatives for end-of-life care.
Bill status
passed
3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023
Last action Feb 15, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Health
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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