Bill > SB344

This bill modifies existing California law regarding the scattering of human remains at sea by adding a new restriction on where cremated or hydrolyzed human remains can be scattered. Specifically, the bill expands the current prohibition on scattering remains from a bridge or pier to also include docks attached to the shore. The existing law already requires that remains be scattered at least 500 yards from the shoreline in inland navigable waters (excluding lakes and streams), and mandates that anyone scattering remains must file a verified statement with the local registrar of births and deaths within 10 days, providing details about the deceased and the location of scattering. The bill maintains the requirement that cremated remains must be removed from their container before scattering and does not change other existing provisions about the process of scattering human remains at sea. Additionally, the bill includes a provision stating that no state reimbursement is required for implementing this change, as it relates to modifying the definition of a potential criminal offense. By expanding the locations from which remains cannot be scattered, the bill aims to provide additional restrictions on the disposition of human remains to ensure respectful and appropriate scattering practices.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB344