Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF2669

Introduced
3/6/23  

Caption

Conversion of human remains to basic elements using natural organic reduction permitted, licensure requirements for natural organic reduction facilities established, and licensure fees established.

Impact

If enacted, HF2669 would revise several sections of Minnesota statutes governing the treatment of human remains. It introduces a licensing framework for natural organic reduction facilities, which must comply with stipulated health and safety standards, including requirements for facility construction and operation. Under this bill, only licensed establishments will be permitted to perform natural organic reduction, thereby expanding the legal avenues for body disposition and ensuring that such practices meet regulatory standards. The bill's proponents argue that it provides an ethical and environmentally sound option for end-of-life decisions.

Summary

House File 2669 (HF2669) proposes to permit the conversion of human remains to soil through a process known as natural organic reduction, also commonly referred to as human composting. The bill establishes specific licensure requirements for facilities that would perform this process and outlines associated fees for operating such facilities. The intent behind HF2669 is to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial and cremation methods, thereby addressing growing environmental concerns related to human remains disposal. The proposal is part of a broader movement toward sustainable practices in funerary services.

Contention

The bill has generated mixed reactions, particularly surrounding the acceptance and perception of natural organic reduction within the community. Critics have raised concerns about the appropriateness of the practice and whether it aligns with cultural or religious views regarding death and burial. There is also apprehension about potential regulatory issues and the operational transparency of such facilities. Supporters counter that the process is a dignified and eco-friendly choice, reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional burial methods, which often involve substantial land use and resource consumption.

Companion Bills

MN SF3134

Similar To Human remains conversion to basic elements using natural organic reduction; natural organic reduction facilities licensure requirements establishment

Previously Filed As

MN SF3134

Human remains conversion to basic elements using natural organic reduction; natural organic reduction facilities licensure requirements establishment

MN LD536

An Act to Provide Natural Organic Reduction Facilities for Maine Residents for the Conversion of Human Remains to Soil

MN A5258

Allows for natural organic reduction of human remains.

MN S3610

Allows for natural organic reduction of human remains.

MN H5110

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. Disposition facilities would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

MN SB53

Relative to natural organic reduction of human remains.

MN SB407

Natural Organic Reduction Of Human Body

MN S0195

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

MN S2877

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

MN H7212

Provides for the operation and duties of natural organic reduction for the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil. A disposition facility would be used for either cremation or natural organic reduction.

Similar Bills

MN SF3134

Human remains conversion to basic elements using natural organic reduction; natural organic reduction facilities licensure requirements establishment

MN HF2509

Transfer care specialists authorized to remove dead human bodies from place of death, registration of transfer care specialists provided by commissioner of health, and mortuary science fee added.

MN SF2611

Transfer care specialists to remove dead human bodies from the place of death authorization; registration of transfer care specialists by the commissioner of health establishment; mortuary science fee authorization

CA AB967

Human remains disposal: alkaline hydrolysis: licensure and regulation.

CA AB351

Reduction of human remains and the disposition of reduced human remains.

CA AB2592

Reduction of human remains and the disposition of reduced human remains.

CA AB501

Reduction of human remains and the disposition of reduced human remains.