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HCR 60

HUMAN REMAINS: Memorializes the United States Congress to create penalties for improperly mailing cremated human remains

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Fisher

Urges Congress to create federal penalties for improperly mailing cremated remains; non-binding, signaling support for uniform handling and shipping rules.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 60

Summary — HCR 60

Title: HUMAN REMAINS: Memorializes the United States Congress to create penalties for improperly mailing cremated human remains
Classification: Concurrent resolution (memorializing)
Introduced: February 4, 2025
Primary Sponsors: Eric Morrison; TAKAYAMA; Adrian Fisher
Companion bills: HR 56, HR 43

Main purpose and intent

HCR 60 is a concurrent resolution that requests and urges the United States Congress to enact federal penalties for the improper mailing (shipment) of cremated human remains. The resolution is a memorializing measure — it does not itself create criminal law or penalties but expresses the legislature’s position and urges federal action to address harms caused when cremated remains (cremains) are mailed improperly.

Key provisions

  • Expresses the legislature’s view that improperly mailed cremated human remains are a serious concern requiring federal legislative action.
  • Officially requests/memorializes the U.S. Congress to create federal penalties for improper mailing of cremated human remains.
  • As a concurrent resolution, it is non‑binding and does not amend state or federal statutes; it serves to communicate the State’s position and to encourage Congress to act.

Who would be affected

  • Federal lawmakers and federal agencies (U.S. Congress, U.S. Postal Service, Department of Transportation) — the resolution asks these actors to create and/or enforce penalties.
  • Funeral directors, crematories, shippers, carriers, and families who ship or receive cremated remains — potential future federal penalties would affect how cremains are packaged, labeled, and transported and could create criminal or civil liabilities for mishandling.
  • States and local authorities would be indirectly affected if Congress adopts uniform federal rules that preempt or supplement state laws.

Procedural history and status

  • Filed: 2025-02-04. Referred to committees and offered in committee calendars.
  • House action: Read by title, passed (various entries indicate passage by voice vote and later by recorded votes).
  • Senate action and enrollment: Document indicates passage in the Senate and enrollment; signatures by House Speaker and Senate President are recorded.
  • Final administrative step noted: Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State (2025-06-11).
  • Because this is a concurrent resolution memorializing Congress, there is no gubernatorial signature or statutory effect on state law.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The resolution signals the State’s strong preference for federal regulation to ensure respectful, secure handling and shipment of cremated remains and to create uniform penalties for violations.
  • If Congress adopts legislation in response, it could establish federal criminal or civil penalties, standardized packaging/shipping protocol, and enforcement authority for federal carriers (e.g., USPS).
  • Until (and unless) Congress enacts such legislation, the resolution has symbolic and political force only.

Notes and discrepancies

  • The document provided for summarization contains multiple, unrelated text blocks (including a separate LGBTQ+ Pride Month declaration and a Hawaii resolution about project delay costs). Those passages appear to be included in error and are unrelated to the stated title concerning mailing cremated human remains.
  • Legislative action entries in the provided document appear to mix records from multiple jurisdictions and sessions. Readers should consult the officially enrolled text filed with the Secretary of State or the legislative website for a clean, authoritative copy and final status.

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

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