summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
04/21/2026
04/21/2026
Crossed Over
04/17/2026
04/17/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Natural Organic Reduction Regulation Act. Provides that any person doing business in this State, or any cemetery, crematory, funeral establishment, corporation, partnership, joint venture, voluntary organization, or any other entity, may erect, maintain, and operate a natural organic reduction facility in the State and provide the necessary appliances and facilities for the natural organic reduction of human remains in accordance with the Act. Provides that an individual or a person, cemetery, crematory, funeral establishment, corporation, partnership, joint venture, voluntary organization, or other entity may reduce human remains only in a natural organic reduction facility operated by a disposition authority licensed for this purpose and only under the limitations provided in the Act. Provides for: grounds for denial or discipline; surrender of a license; license, display, transfer; authorizing agent; authorization for natural organic reduction; performance of natural organic reduction services, training; recordkeeping; natural organic reduction procedures; disposition of reduced human remains; limitation of liability; hazardous implants; penalties; failure to file an annual report; injunctive action, cease and desist order; service of notice; investigations, notice, and hearing; compelling testimony; administrative review, venue, certification of record, and costs; and preneed of natural organic reduction arrangements. Effective June 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill, the Natural Organic Reduction Regulation Act, establishes a framework for the process of natural organic reduction, also known as natural organic reduction, which transforms human remains into soil through accelerated decomposition using organic materials. It allows any person or entity, including cemeteries and funeral homes, to operate a natural organic reduction facility, provided they are licensed by the Comptroller, which is the state official overseeing this process. The Act outlines strict procedures for obtaining authorization for natural organic reduction, including obtaining consent from the authorizing agent (next of kin or designated person), ensuring proper documentation like a burial transit permit, and adhering to specific protocols for handling human remains, such as avoiding embalmed or radioactive materials and ensuring the reduction chamber reaches a minimum temperature of 131 degrees Fahrenheit for 72 consecutive hours. It also details requirements for recordkeeping, facility standards, operator training, and the disposition of the resulting soil, emphasizing consumer protection and public health. The bill specifies grounds for denial or disciplinary action against licensees, including fraud, misrepresentation, and violations of the Act, and sets penalties ranging from fines to felony charges for non-compliance. The legislation will take effect on June 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (33)
Mary Beth Canty (D)*,
Celina Villanueva (D)*,
Jaime Andrade (D),
Dee Avelar (D),
Diane Blair-Sherlock (D),
Amy Briel (D),
Kelly Cassidy (D),
Dan Didech (D),
Laura Faver Dias (D),
La Shawn Ford (D),
Robyn Gabel (D),
Edgar González (D),
Nicolle Grasse (D),
Will Guzzardi (D),
Barbara Hernandez (D),
Lilian Jiménez (D),
Gregg Johnson (D),
Tracy Katz Muhl (D),
Stephanie Kifowit (D),
Dave Koehler (D),
Lindsey LaPointe (D),
Joyce Mason (D),
Anna Moeller (D),
Yolonda Morris (D),
Michelle Mussman (D),
Kevin Olickal (D),
Mike Simmons (D),
Justin Slaughter (D),
Anne Stava-Murray (D),
Katie Stuart (D),
Mark Walker (D),
Maurice West (D),
Ann Williams (D),
Last Action
Sponsor Removed Sen. Emil Jones, III (on 05/21/2026)
Bill Topics
Banking, Finance, and Domestic Commerce
- ‐ General Banking, Finance, and Domestic Commerce
- ‐ Other Commerce
Health
- ‐ Regulation of Health-Related Occupations and Services
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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