S 1217
An Act designating right of disposition
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to establish a person’s right to determine the disposition of their human remains after death. It aims to clarify and protect an individual’s autonomy regarding how their body is handled following death. The legislation focuses on ensuring individuals have control over this final decision. Currently, the specifics of this right are not clearly defined in Massachusetts law.
Key provisions
- Designates the right of disposition of human remains.
- Aims to clarify individual autonomy regarding final arrangements.
- Addresses the handling of human remains after death.
- Potentially establishes legal protections for these decisions.
Who is affected
- Individuals
- Families of deceased individuals
- Funeral homes and related businesses
Notable changes
- Currently, Massachusetts law does not explicitly define the right of disposition of human remains.
- The bill seeks to create a legal framework for this right.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Patrick M. O'Connor
Cosponsors
Joseph D. McKenna
Patrick M. O'Connor
Arguments in favor
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Bill S.1217 194th (Current)
An Act designating right of disposition
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1217) of Patrick M. O'Connor and Joseph D. McKenna for legislation to designate the right of disposition of human remains. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Patrick M. O'Connor
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill S.1217
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 4/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 10/14/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 12/18/2025 | Senate | Accompanied a study order (under JR10), see S2886 |
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