Bill Text: VA HJR513 | 2023 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Natural organic reduction; establishment of facilities.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2023-02-07 - Left in Rules [HJR513 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2023-HJR513-Prefiled.html
WHEREAS, the term "natural organic reduction" means the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil; and
WHEREAS, the term "natural organic reduction facility" means a structure, room, or other space in a building or real property where natural organic reduction of a human body occurs; and
WHEREAS, natural organic reduction provides a sustainable alternative to cremation and burial; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers be directed to study the establishment of natural organic reduction, also known as green burial or human composting, facilities in the Commonwealth.
In conducting its study, the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers shall study (i) the creation, operation, and regulation of natural organic reduction facilities as cemetery corporations; (ii) the need for and interest in natural organic reduction services as an alternative to cremation and burial services; and (iii) the feasibility of establishing natural organic reduction facilities in the Commonwealth.
All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers for this study, upon request.
The Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers shall complete its meetings by November 30, 2023, and shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports no later than the first day of the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.
