Bill > SB0022

This bill expands the legal definition of cremation in Indiana to include alkaline hydrolysis, a water-based method for dissolving human remains using potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, or a combination of these chemicals with heat. The bill adds new definitions for terms like "alkaline hydrolysis chamber" and "hydrolyzed remains" across multiple sections of Indiana law. Specifically, it requires the state board of funeral and cemetery service to adopt rules governing alkaline hydrolysis facilities, including standards for transporting remains, equipment use, and disposal of hydrolyzed remains. The bill mandates that crematory authorities cannot require remains to be placed in a casket for alkaline hydrolysis and must ensure that the resulting liquid effluent is managed according to wastewater regulations. Effectively, this legislation provides a new, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional cremation that breaks down human remains into bone fragments and a sterile liquid, with an implementation date of July 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/22/details