SF2819

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to establish and regulate the practice of "green burials" in Minnesota, focusing on environmental sustainability. It sets new legal requirements for green burials and updates financial obligations related to cemetery care and improvement funds.

Main Provisions

1. Definition and Requirements for Green Burial:

   • A green burial is defined as a method that emphasizes environmental sustainability.
   • The body should not be embalmed or only with nontoxic substances.
   • Use biodegradable caskets or shrouds, with no outer burial containers like vaults.

2. Facility Requirements:

   • Facilities that hold bodies for green burial must follow local and state codes and ensure bodies are secure and handled safely to prevent disease transmission.
   • Unembalmed bodies must be refrigerated or packed in dry ice within specific time limits.

3. Financial Modifications:

   • Increases the percentage of cemetery lot sale proceeds allocated to permanent care and improvement funds from 20% to 25%.
   • Paid quarterly to the fund trustees.

4. Cemetery Regulations for Green Burials:

   • Municipalities, towns, and private cemetery owners must agree to specific location and environmental standards for green burial plots.
   • Plots must be distanced from property lines and water sources, not situated in flood-prone areas, and comply with depth and cover requirements.
   • Limit on burial density to ensure sustainable use of cemetery space.

5. Ash Spreading:

   • Locations must be designated for ash spreading within cemeteries that choose to allow this practice.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill modifies existing requirements for green burials by establishing new regulations regarding the distance from water sources and overall burial density.
• It updates financial contributions to cemetery improvement funds to support higher standards of care and sustainability practices.

Relevant Terms

• Green burial
• Biodegradable casket
• Permanent care and improvement fund
• Cemetery lot sales
• Environmental sustainability
• Burial depth
• Ash spreading