HF2769

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish guidelines and requirements for green burials in Minnesota, promoting environmentally sustainable burial practices without hindering natural decomposition.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Green Burial: Green burials are defined as those that avoid the use of embalming (or use only non-toxic substances), use biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and do not employ vaults or outer burial containers.

• Facility Requirements: Any building temporarily holding bodies before green burials must adhere to local and state building codes, as well as environmental and safety standards. They must ensure dignity and health safety in handling bodies.

• Handling and Storage: Bodies awaiting green burial must be refrigerated or packed in dry ice if not embalmed, and must not exceed certain storage periods.

• Cemetery and Burial Space Sales: The bill increases the percentage of proceeds from the sale of cemetery lots and mausoleum spaces that must be contributed to permanent care and improvement funds from 20% to 25%.

• Location and Depth: Green burial plots must have:

  • Specific setback distances from property lines, water sources, and sensitive areas like flood-prone regions.
  • Specific depth and cover requirements to ensure environmental safety.

• Ash Spreading: Cemeteries allowing ash spreading must designate specific areas for this purpose.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Permanent Care Fund Contributions: The required contribution from proceeds of the sale of burial spaces to the permanent care funds is increased.
• Green Burial Location Regulations: Establishes new regulations regarding the placement and environmental considerations of green burial plots within cemeteries.

Relevant Terms

green burial, biodegradable casket, natural decomposition, permanent care fund, environmental sustainability, burial plot distances, ash spreading