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Committee Hears Bill to Legalize ‘Natural Organic Reduction’ After Years of Out‑of‑State Adoption
Summary
Representative Jessica LaMontagne told the committee HB 1457 would allow accelerated composting of human remains under a regulatory framework modeled on cremation law; supporters say the option is environmentally friendly and would keep families from travelling out of state, while critics raised concerns about public health, unclaimed remains and human dignity.
Representative Jessica LaMontagne introduced House Bill 1457 on behalf of sponsors seeking to authorize and regulate natural organic reduction (NOR), a process in which human remains are converted into soil in controlled, enclosed systems. "Natural organic reduction is the contained accelerated conversion of human remains to soil," LaMontagne told the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee, saying the bill defines NOR and sets licensing, building, location and custody rules modeled in part on existing cremation statutes.
Supporters, including mortuary professionals and a commercial operator, told lawmakers the bill is aimed at providing an additional disposition option for families and reducing environmental impacts associated with flame cremation and conventional burial. "If we don't have natural organic reduction as an option…
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