Pennsylvania adds alkaline hydrolysis and mechanical processing to legal definition of cremation

Original title: An Act amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, further providing for definitions.

Last action · October 3, 2025: Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, Oct. 3, 2025Sponsors: Mary Jo Daley and 14 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

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What This Bill Would Do

Pennsylvania law now formally defines cremation to include and mechanical thermal processes, establishing uniform statutory standards for reducing human remains. The new definition takes effect in 60 days.

Why it matters

Expands the legal recognition of modern disposition methods for mortuary services and regulatory oversight across the commonwealth.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

crematory operators

Crematory operators must operate under a statutory definition that explicitly encompasses alkaline hydrolysis and mechanical processing.

Directly affected

funeral directors

Funeral directors must follow updated statutory definitions regarding human remains processing and container placement.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is newly included in the legal definition of cremation?

The definition now explicitly includes , mechanical processes, and thermal processes that reduce human remains to bone fragments, along with pulverization and placement in a container.

When does this change take effect?

The act takes effect in 60 days.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.

Procedural history

11 actions

Oct 3, 2025SenateCommittee
Referred to ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, Oct. 3, 2025
Oct 3, 2025Senate
In the Senate
Oct 1, 2025HouseFloor
Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 1, 2025 (152-51)
Oct 1, 2025HouseCommittee
Re-reported as committed, Oct. 1, 2025
Sep 30, 2025House
Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 30, 2025
Sep 30, 2025HouseFloor
Second consideration, Sept. 30, 2025

Show 5 earlier actions

Aug 8, 2025House
Removed from table, Aug. 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025House
Laid on the table, April 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025HouseIntroduced
First consideration, April 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025HouseCommittee
Reported as committed, April 8, 2025
Feb 25, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to COMMERCE, Feb. 25, 2025

Version history

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