Bill > HB612

This bill modifies various state statutes related to the disposition of human remains by introducing two new methods of final disposition: alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. Alkaline hydrolysis is defined as a process that reduces human remains to bone fragments and essential elements using heat, pressure, water, and chemical agents, while natural organic reduction is described as the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. The bill updates numerous sections of Missouri law to include these new disposition methods alongside traditional options like burial and cremation. Key changes include expanding definitions in various sections of state code to recognize alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction, modifying language around funeral services and cemetery operations, and updating provisions related to death certificates, funeral directing, and other relevant legal contexts. These additions provide new environmentally-friendly alternatives for handling human remains, giving individuals and families more choices in end-of-life disposition. The bill appears to be a comprehensive update to Missouri's laws governing the treatment and disposition of human remains, reflecting evolving practices and preferences in funeral and memorial services.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB612&year=2025&code=R