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Senate votes ITL on natural-organic-reduction bill after emotional floor debate
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Summary
The Senate adopted the committee recommendation of Inexpedient to Legislate on House Bill 14-57 (natural organic reduction of human remains) after senators debated religious, dignity and consumer-choice arguments; supporters cited environmental benefits and lower cost.
The Senate voted to adopt the committee recommendation of Inexpedient to Legislate on House Bill 14-57, a measure to authorize natural organic reduction (often described as "human composting") in New Hampshire.
Committee proponents argued the bill raised significant implementation questions and potential unintended consequences that warranted further vetting. "There were some questions raised during the hearing on the proper disposal of human remains, and the committee believes before making significant changes to our existing laws and burial options... the concept should be fully and thoughtfully vetted," the committee chair said on the floor.
Supporters of the bill characterized it as an environmentally friendly, consumer-choice option with potential cost savings relative to traditional burial. "Natural organic reduction is legal in 14 states," Senator Innes said, citing reduced carbon footprint and lower cost estimates of $5,000 to $7,000 compared with about $8,300 for traditional burial.
Opponents raised concerns about human dignity, religious objections and whether the state should adopt such a practice without clearer standards. The Senate ultimately adopted the ITL recommendation by voice vote, pausing legislative action on the proposal for the session.
The vote leaves the policy in committee (in effect), where proponents and opponents may return with revised language or additional information in a future session.
