Bill > SB671

This bill requires the Office of Cemetery Oversight to conduct a comprehensive study of deathcare and funeral practices in Maryland, examining their environmental and public health impacts. The study will evaluate various practices including embalming, burial methods, cremation techniques, and emerging alternatives like alkaline hydrolysis and body composting. The Office will collaborate with multiple state departments, conduct site visits, collect data from other jurisdictions, and solicit input from diverse stakeholders including trade groups, environmental organizations, and academic institutions. The study will analyze environmental factors such as land use, soil and water quality, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as public health risks and workforce implications. The Office will submit an interim report by July 1, 2026, and a final report by January 1, 2027, to the Governor and General Assembly. These reports will include findings, an inventory of current practices, detailed impact analyses, and recommended policy changes to promote more sustainable and equitable deathcare options. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of current deathcare practices and propose potential improvements in regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and environmental standards.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0671?ys=2025RS