Bill > H2462

This bill modifies existing Massachusetts law regarding the disposition of unclaimed cremated remains by expanding the options available to funeral establishments. Currently, when cremated remains are not claimed by a next-of-kin or authorized representative within 12 months after cremation, funeral establishments can inter the remains in a cemetery, place them in a common grave, niche, or crypt, or scatter them in a designated cemetery area. The proposed legislation adds a new option: scattering the unclaimed cremated remains at sea. This change provides funeral establishments with an additional method of handling unclaimed cremated remains, potentially offering more flexibility in managing cases where no family members or representatives come forward to claim the remains. The bill amends Section 43M of Chapter 114 of the Massachusetts General Laws, specifically updating the language to explicitly permit sea scattering as a disposition method for unclaimed cremated remains.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2462