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HB 359

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Kerri Harris and 8 co-sponsors

HB 359 would modernize and clarify Delaware's rules for disposition of human remains, including burial, cremation, required documentation, and the roles of authorities and families

Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 359

Summary of HB 359 (Session 153, Delaware) – Disposition of Human Remains

Purpose

HB 359 proposed to amend Title 29 and Title 31 of the Delaware Code to address the disposition of human remains. The bill’s aim is to clarify and potentially modernize the rules governing burial, cremation, handling, and related procedures for human remains in Delaware.

Key Provisions and Changes (highlights)

  • Disposal and handling of human remains: The bill would modify existing statutory requirements related to the disposition of human remains, including processes for burial, cremation, or other lawful disposition.
  • Authority and roles: It likely outlines the responsibilities of funeral directors, coroners/medical examiners, and other parties involved in the disposition process, and may specify who may order or authorize disposition.
  • Documentation and compliance: Provisions may address necessary documentation (such as death certificates, permits, and authorizations) and compliance with state regulations.
  • Rights and duties of surviving parties: The bill could clarify the rights of surviving family members or designated agents with respect to choosing a method of disposition and access to remains.
  • Public health and safety: Provisions may include alignment with health and safety standards in handling and transportation of remains.
  • Remedies and enforcement: Potential penalties or enforcement mechanisms for noncompliance with disposition laws.

Note: The exact textual changes (section numbers, precise language, and any new definitions) are not provided in the summary, so the above reflects typical areas such bills address in Delaware code revisions.

Who is Affected

  • Individuals and families: Those making arrangements for the disposition of a deceased loved one.
  • Funeral directors and establishments: Entities responsible for arranging and executing dispositions.
  • Coroners/Medical Examiners and health authorities: Agencies involved in determining cause of death and approving disposition where applicable.
  • Other designated agents: Persons or organizations authorized to act on behalf of the deceased or the family in disposition decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced and assigned to the Health & Human Development Committee in the House on April 15, 2026.
  • Next steps: It would proceed through committee review, potential amendments, and then floor consideration in the House, followed by passage to the Senate (as applicable in Delaware’s bicameral process). If enacted, it would become effective according to the bill’s specified effective date provisions (not provided in the summary).

Additional Context

  • Sponsors: The bill has multiple co-sponsors, indicating broad legislative interest. Co-sponsors include Dave Wilson, Stell Selby, DeShanna Neal, Nicole Poore, Claire Snyder-Hall, Russ Huxtable, Ray Seigfried, and Melanie Ross Levin.
  • Jurisdiction and scope: Delaware Code (Titles 29 and 31) govern health, public welfare, and related legal matters; this bill targets the statutes governing disposition of human remains.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular sections once the bill’s full text or committee memo is available, including explicit definitions, fee structures, or any proposed changes to timelines and enforcement.

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

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