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S 1457

Provides for adjustment of the maximum income threshold for eligibility for SCRIE, DRIE, SCHE and DHE by any increase in the consumer price index

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 14 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill authorizes cemeteries to allow co-interment of human and animal remains, giving local operators discretion on eligibility, fees, and procedures.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1457

Summary — S.1457 (Montigny) — "An Act to preserve the eternal bonds between people and their animals"

Overview / Purpose

S.1457 authorizes cemeteries and other entities legally responsible for the operation or maintenance of burial places in Massachusetts to permit co‑interment of human and animal remains (including cremated remains). The stated intent is to allow people to be buried alongside their companion animals and to give cemeteries flexibility to adopt policies permitting such interments.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 52 to Chapter 114 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
  • States that, “Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary,” a town, city, cemetery corporation or other legally responsible entity may allow co‑interment of both human and animal remains, including cremated remains.
  • Gives those entities authority to adopt their own policies regarding fees, interments, and other requirements for co‑interment (i.e., operational discretion over eligibility, procedural rules and charges).
  • Does not prescribe statewide standards, health or recordkeeping requirements, or limits on fees — these are left to the adopting entity.

Who or what would be affected

  • Primary: towns, cities, cemetery corporations, and any legal operators of burial places in Massachusetts (they gain explicit authority to allow co‑interment and to set policies).
  • Secondary: families and individuals (including pet owners) who wish to be interred with companion animals; funeral directors, crematoria and cemetery managers who will implement co‑interment options; municipal officials responsible for local cemeteries and zoning; consumers (impacts on costs and options).
  • Courts/probate/estate practices may see indirect effects related to plot ownership or disposition instructions, though the bill does not address those legal questions.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Expands burial options for pet owners and families wishing joint interment.
  • Likely increases administrative choices and potential revenue streams for cemeteries (fee-setting discretion).
  • Because the bill defers to local policies, practices will vary by jurisdiction — this could create uneven consumer protections and inconsistent public‑health or recordkeeping practices.
  • The bill does not address related legal issues (e.g., plot title/ownership, deeds, easements, or whether co‑interment affects human burial rights) nor set health/sanitation standards; municipalities or cemetery corporations may need to develop implementing rules, liability policies, and recordkeeping protocols.
  • Interaction with local zoning, cemetery bylaws, and existing interment regulations may require administrative clarification.

Legislative status & timeline (selected actions)

  • Bill filed: Senate Docket No. 515 (filed 01/13/2025; presented by Senator Mark C. Montigny).
  • Referred to committees: Municipalities & Regional Government; Aging; Finance (multiple referrals reported).
  • Hearing: scheduled 06/10/2025 (B‑1).
  • Senate actions: Passed the Senate 06/12/2025; delivered to the House/Assembly 06/12/2025.
  • Other entries: print number 1457A; accompanied a study order S2717 (11/13/2025). (See notes below on data discrepancies.)

Related bills

  • Companion bill in the House: H.5344 (listed as A 5344).
  • Several prior-session related/similar bills noted (S.1218, S.1372, S.1134, etc.).

Notes / Caveats

  • Some metadata provided with the file contains inconsistencies (for example, an alternative title about income thresholds for SCRIE/DRIE appears at the top, and an extensive sponsors list that includes federal senators is inconsistent with the Massachusetts Senate author listed in the docket). This summary is based on the bill text as filed in Massachusetts (Sen. Mark C. Montigny) and the Chapter 114 amendment language authorizing co‑interment.
  • Because the bill vests discretion in local entities rather than prescribing statewide standards, many implementation details will depend on municipal or cemetery corporation policies adopted after enactment.

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

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