SB 1057 West Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Authorizing green burial and natural burial

SB 1057 authorizes natural burial in West Virginia, allowing families to bury human remains without embalming, vaults, or non-biodegradable containers using biodegradable shrouds or caskets. It directly affects families seeking eco-friendly or cost-effective burial options, cemeteries (which may choose to offer natural burial without extra licensing), and funeral directors (as licensure is no longer required for natural burial). Key provisions include removing embalming mandates, setting public health standards for timely burial, and prohibiting cemeteries or professional groups from requiring embalming or non-biodegradable materials. The bill also prevents funeral service boards from regulating natural burial beyond statutory limits. It takes effect 90 days after passage.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 21, 2026 Last action Feb 21, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 21, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jack Woodrum
Jack Woodrum
RRepublican
WV
10