H 2444
An Act expanding after-death care options
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill seeks to broaden the options available for handling human remains after death in Massachusetts. It aims to provide more choices beyond traditional burial or cremation, potentially including options like alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. The legislation is currently being reviewed by the Public Health Committee and has been accompanied by a study order to examine these alternative methods further.
Key provisions
- Expands options for the disposition of human remains.
- Considers methods such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction.
- Requires a study to examine these alternative methods.
- Addresses regulations and guidelines for these new options.
- Seeks to provide greater flexibility for individuals and families.
- Focuses on public health considerations related to after-death care.
- May include provisions for public education regarding these options.
- Potentially addresses the environmental impact of different disposal methods.
Who is affected
- Individuals and families making end-of-life decisions.
- Funeral homes and related businesses.
- The Public Health sector.
- Environmental advocates.
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Introduces alternative methods of human remains disposal beyond burial and cremation.
- Mandates a study to assess the feasibility and regulations for these alternatives.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Natalie M. Higgins
Cosponsors
Adam J. Scanlon
Brian W. Murray
Dennis C. Gallagher
Jack Patrick Lewis
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.2444 194th (Current)
An Act expanding after-death care options
By Representatives Higgins of Leominster and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2444) of Natalie M. Higgins, Jack Patrick Lewis and others relative to expanding after-death options and the disposal of human bodies. Public Health.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Natalie M. Higgins , Jack Patrick Lewis
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.2444
| 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 |
| 3/16/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5234 |
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