Bill > HB2200

This bill amends Texas state laws to recognize and regulate a new method of human remains disposition called "natural organic reduction," which is an alternative to traditional cremation. The bill updates definitions in the Health and Safety Code and Occupations Code to include natural organic reduction as a form of cremation, defining it as a process of reducing human remains to essential elements through a method other than direct flame and extreme heat. The Texas Funeral Service Commission is required to establish rules for this new cremation method by December 1, 2025, including specific requirements for the cremation process and containers used. The bill modifies existing regulations about cremation containers and expands the definition of "crematory" to include facilities that perform natural organic reduction. Essentially, this legislation creates a legal framework for a new, potentially more environmentally friendly method of handling human remains that breaks down a body using natural decomposition processes, similar to composting, alongside traditional flame-based cremation. The bill will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the necessary immediate voting support.

Health and Social Services

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2200