S 1217 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act designating right of disposition

This bill gives adults aged 18+ with sound mind the legal right to specify their funeral arrangements and disposition of remains through a written contract or affidavit. It establishes a clear priority order for who controls these decisions after death, starting with a person the decedent designated, then surviving spouse, children, parents, siblings, and others in sequence. The bill also specifies circumstances where someone loses this right (e.g., murder charges, failure to act within 2 days, or court determination of estrangement), and allows probate courts to resolve disputes if multiple people claim the right. These provisions ensure decisions align with the decedent's wishes while providing a structured process for family or legal representatives to follow.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Dec 18, 2025
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
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors