HD 226 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea

This bill amends Massachusetts law to allow funeral establishments to scatter unclaimed cremated remains at sea after 12 months if unclaimed by next-of-kin. It directly affects funeral homes managing unclaimed remains by adding sea scattering as a permitted disposal method, alongside existing options like cemetery interment or designated cemetery scattering. The key change is modifying Section 43M of Chapter 114 to explicitly include "scattered at sea" in the list of allowable actions for unclaimed remains. The bill makes no changes to eligibility or requirements for scattering but expands disposal options for funeral providers.
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P
Photo of Patrick Kearney
Patrick Kearney
DDemocratic
MA
4th Plymouth