H 2462
An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow individuals to scatter unclaimed cremated remains at sea in Massachusetts. Currently, there are no specific laws governing this practice. The bill aims to provide a respectful option for families who wish to scatter the ashes of a loved one’s remains.
Key provisions
- Permits the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains.
- Specifically addresses the scattering of remains, not burial.
- Relates to the handling of cremated remains.
- Allows for the disposition of remains that are no longer claimed.
Who is affected
- Individuals who have unclaimed cremated remains.
- Families of deceased individuals.
- Funeral homes and crematories.
Notable changes
- Currently, there are no laws in Massachusetts regulating the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains.
- The bill creates a legal framework for this practice.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Patrick Joseph Kearney
Cosponsor
Patrick Joseph Kearney
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.2462 194th (Current)
An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea
By Representative Kearney of Scituate, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2462) of Patrick Joseph Kearney for legislation to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea. Public Health.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Patrick Joseph Kearney
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.2462
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/19/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 |
| 9/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-11:30 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 9/29/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 09/29/2025 from 09:00 AM-11:30 AM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 4/8/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5330 (under House Rule 27) |
Similar Bills
H.1937 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea
H.2330 192nd (2021 - 2022)
An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea
H.2206 193rd (2023 - 2024)
An Act to permit the scattering of unclaimed cremated remains at sea
H.2897 194th (Current)
An Act relative to public safety employee death benefits
H.2064 194th (Current)
An Act relative to bereavement leave for the loss of a child
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.