WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 7070

AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER AND FUNERAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island HB 7070 authorizes natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis as final disposition options, regulated like cremation with licensing, permits, and records.

06/09/2026 Referred to Senate Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 7070

Overview

  • Bill: HB 7070
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- FUNERAL DIRECTOR/EMBALMER AND FUNERAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS
  • Purpose: To authorize and regulate new methods for final disposition of human remains (natural organic reduction NOR and alkaline hydrolysis) and to integrate them into Rhode Island’s funeral service regulatory framework alongside traditional cremation. The act also updates definitions, licensing, inspections, permits, and vital records processes to accommodate these methods. Effective date: January 30, 2028.

What the bill would do

  • Establish NOR and alkaline hydrolysis as permissible methods for final disposition, alongside cremation.
    • NOR: contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil.
    • Alkaline hydrolysis: reduction to bone fragments using heat, water, base chemical agents.
  • Create or designate a disposition facility as the location where cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or NOR occurs.
  • Require licensing and regulation of disposition facilities and related crematories, under the Department of Health and the state Board of Funeral Directors/Embalmers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 1)
    • Adds NOR and NOR facilities; defines alkaline hydrolysis facility; updates terms for disposition facilities, cremation, embalmers, funeral directors/embalmers, funeral establishments, and funeral merchandise.
    • Clarifies that a “funeral director/embalmer” must hold an embalmer’s license, and defines the scope of practice and advertising standards.
  • Inspections and licensing (Section 1, 5-33.2)
    • Licensed funeral directors/embalmers may enter funeral establishments, branch offices, and disposition facilities for sanitation, investigations, and regulatory compliance.
    • Biannual inspections of funeral establishments, branch offices, and crematories/disposition facilities.
  • Crematories and disposition facilities licensing (Sections 5-33.2-13.1 and 5-33.2-13.2)
    • Requires a license from the department for any crematory disposition facility, including location-specific licensing; licenses are non-transferable.
    • Cremation, alkaline hydrolysis, or NOR requires applicable permits and consents; facilities must not hold unidentified remains; holds remains securely; cannot process multiple bodies in the same disposal chamber.
    • Provisions for disposition of abandoned cremated remains after six months, with reasonable contact efforts.
  • Annual license renewals (Section 5-33.2-15)
    • Licenses must be renewed annually; includes funeral director/embalmer licenses, funeral establishment branch offices, and disposition facilities, with fees set forth in the department’s fee schedule.
    • Late renewal and reactivation rules apply.
  • Grounds for license denial/suspension/revocation (Section 5-33.2-17)
    • Lists multiple grounds including felony conviction, fraud, false advertising, improper handling of remains, unlicensed practice, violation of FTC/OSHA rules, and other regulatory violations.
    • Provides due process (notice and hearing) before license actions.
  • Proper authority for arrangements and disposition (Section 5-33.2-24)
    • Contracts: If a funeral establishment is a party to a service contract, the contract terms control final disposition; cremation or NOR/alkaline hydrolysis must align with contract terms unless changes would violate law.
    • Prioritization of survivor directions in absence of a contract (order: designated agent, spouse/partner, adult children, parents, siblings, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, guardian).
    • Protections from civil liability for those complying with this chapter.
    • Defines “domestic partner” with criteria for eligibility and interdependence.
  • Vital records and permits (Section 23-3-18)
    • Permits: Funeral director or authorized agent must prepare a burial-transit permit within seven days after death; permits must be signed by funeral director and certifying physician.
    • Interstate permits and disinterment permits retained and transmitted per rules.
    • New requirements for cremation/, NOR, and alkaline hydrolysis certificates: a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation unless contagious disease applies; requires medical examiner certificates and cremation/NOR certificates to accompany the body to disposition facilities.

Who would be affected

  • Funeral directors/embalmers and funeral establishments
  • Crematories and disposition facilities (crematories, NOR facilities, alkaline hydrolysis facilities)
  • The Rhode Island Department of Health (regulatory oversight)
  • The Rhode Island State Board of Funeral Directors/Embalmers (licensing and disciplinary actions)
  • Families and survivors (through contracts, service arrangements, and prioritization rules)
  • Vital records offices (permitting and certificates related to final disposition)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment and effective date: The act states it takes effect January 30, 2028.
  • Licenses and renewals: Annual renewal cycle with specific renewal windows (notice by November 15; renewal by December 31; late renewal provisions apply).
  • Inspections: Biennial (at least twice per year) inspections of licensed facilities.
  • Permitting process: Requires permits from the state medical examiner for disposition methods; NOR/ALK hydrolysis certificates accompany disposition documents.
  • Transferability: Licenses for disposition facilities are location-specific and non-transferable.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Expands permissible forms of final disposition, offering families additional options beyond traditional cremation and burial.
  • Increases regulatory requirements for new disposition technologies, including facility licensing, permits, waiting periods, and record-keeping.
  • Introduces explicit prioritization guidelines for survivor directives in the absence of a contract, which could affect how remains are handled in contested cases.
  • Establishes operational and ethical standards intended to protect public health, dignity of remains, and consumer transparency in funeral services.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive provisions and regulatory framework introduced by HB 7070 and does not reflect any political stance or policy advocacy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.