HF 2605

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/13/2023 04:51pm

A bill for an act
relating to health; establishing a moratorium on green burials in certain locations;
requiring a study.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin MORATORIUM ON GREEN BURIALS; STUDY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin For purposes of this section, "green burial" means a burial
of a dead human body in a manner that minimizes environmental impact and does not inhibit
decomposition of the body by using practices that include at least the following:
new text end

new text begin (1) the human body is not embalmed prior to burial or is embalmed only with nontoxic
chemicals;
new text end

new text begin (2) a biodegradable casket or shroud is used for burial; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the casket or shroud holding the human body is not placed in an outer burial container
when buried.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Moratorium. new text end

new text begin Between July 1, 2023, and July 1, 2025, a green burial shall not
be performed in this state unless the green burial is performed in a cemetery that permits
green burials and at which green burials are permitted by any applicable ordinances or
regulations.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Study and report. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of health shall study the environmental
and health impacts of green burials and develop recommendations for the performance of
green burials to prevent environmental harm, including contamination of groundwater and
surface water, and to protect the health of workers performing green burials, mourners, and
the public. The study and recommendations may address topics that include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the siting of locations where green burials are permitted;
new text end

new text begin (2) the minimum distance a green burial location must have from groundwater, surface
water, and drinking water;
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new text begin (3) the minimum depth at which a body buried via green burial must be buried, the
minimum soil depth below the body, and the minimum soil depth covering the body;
new text end

new text begin (4) the maximum density of green burial interments in a green burial location;
new text end

new text begin (5) procedures used by individuals who come in direct contact with a body awaiting
green burial to minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission from the body;
new text end

new text begin (6) methods to temporarily inhibit decomposition of an unembalmed body awaiting
green burial; and
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new text begin (7) the time period within which an unembalmed body awaiting green burial must be
buried or held in a manner that delays decomposition.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner shall submit the study and recommendations, including any
statutory changes needed to implement the recommendations, to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over health and the
environment by February 1, 2025.
new text end