SF5305

Purpose

• The bill aims to ensure public cemeteries honor burial rites for individuals based on their recognized religion, and to allow green burial as part of those rites when done in compliance with existing laws (chapter 149A and section 306.991).

Main Provisions

• Public cemeteries must permit burial in accordance with the rites of the individuals' recognized religion, including green burial if the burial is performed in compliance with chapter 149A and this bill’s related provisions (306.991).
• The term “green burial” is defined by the meaning given in section 149A.02 subdivision 42.
• Green burial requirements: Green burials must comply with the rules and standards in section 306.991.
• Burial density rules: Green burial plots must have a maximum density of 300 burials per acre over a 100-year period.
• Exceptions to density: A cemetery must allow a greater density for green burials if green burial is an element of the burial rites of the individuals’ recognized religion.
• Legal updates: The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement section 306.991, specifically subdivisions 2 and 6, to reflect these changes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a duty for municipalities, towns, and other cemeteries governed by this chapter to permit green burials along with other burial rites governed by recognized religions.
• Establishes a specific density cap for green burial plots (300 burials per acre per 100 years) but permits higher density when green burial is part of a religious burial rite.

Compliance and Scope

• Applies to public cemeteries and any cemetery governed by the relevant Minnesota chapter.
• Requires alignment with existing law on green burial (chapter 149A) and the specified section (306.991).

Relevant Terms - green burial - recognized religion - burial rites - public cemetery - municipality - density (burials per acre) - 100-year period - chapter 149A - Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement - section 306.991 - subdivision 2 - subdivision 6 - burial density cap - greater density exception