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MarylandSB 00422026 Regular SessionSenate

Reduction Facilities and Veterans Service Organizations - Hydrolyzed and Soil Remains - Immunity

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Civil Actions and ProceduresCourts and Court Personnel - StatewideBusiness RegulationHealth OccupationsDeath -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsLiabilityVeterans

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Legal shield for unclaimed veterans' remains

Beginning October 1, 2026, licensed funeral homes, registered reduction operators, and crematory permit holders get civil immunity. They are not liable if, acting in good faith, they transfer unclaimed cremated, hydrolyzed, or soil remains of a veteran or eligible dependent to a veterans service organization for final handling under state law. A veterans service organization that receives these remains in good faith is also not liable. This protection applies only when the transfer and final handling follow the state’s set process for unclaimed veterans’ remains.

New definitions for reduction services

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland defines natural organic reduction as a contained, faster process that turns human remains into soil. It also defines a registered reduction operator as a person registered to run a reduction facility. These definitions clarify who must register or hold permits and help enforce the rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 180 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 693

    5/26/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/8/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    4/7/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/3/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/3/2026House

  6. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/20/2026House

  7. Referred Health

    3/20/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (44-0)

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/18/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/18/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Judicial Proceedings

    3/16/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.

    1/17/2026Senate

  13. Reassigned to Judicial Proceedings

    1/16/2026Senate

  14. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    1/14/2026Senate

  15. Pre-filed

    6/2/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/18/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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