An Act designating right of disposition
This bill (HD 1835) allows adults aged 18+ with sound minds to legally designate who controls their funeral arrangements and final disposition of remains after death. It establishes a clear hierarchy: first the person named in a pre-need contract or sworn affidavit (Section 1), then surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, or other relatives in order (Section 2). The law also specifies circumstances where rights are forfeited (e.g., murder charges, failure to act within 2 days, or court determination of estrangement) and permits probate courts to resolve disputes if multiple people claim rights (Section 4-5). It directly affects anyone making pre-arrangements or whose family must make decisions after death.
Bill status
Introduction
0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
No actions recorded for this bill.
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dan Donahue
DDemocratic
Co
Christine Barber
DDemocratic
Co
Joe McKenna
RRepublican
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HD 1835
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand HD 1835. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline