MA S1612

Legalizes alkaline hydrolysis (also called "water cremation") as a burial alternative in Massachusetts, defining it as the reduction of human remains to bone fragments using heat, pressure, water, and base chemical agents in a licensed hydrolysis facility

Amends multiple chapters of Massachusetts General Laws to add alkaline hydrolysis alongside cremation as an authorized method for disposition of human remains

Requires the same 48-hour waiting period after death for alkaline hydrolysis as for cremation, with exceptions for deaths from contagious or infectious diseases

Authorizes cemetery corporations to conduct alkaline hydrolysis and construct hydrolysis facilities on cemetery land approved by the Department of Environmental Protection

Applies existing permit, medical examiner certification, and recordkeeping requirements for cremation to alkaline hydrolysis, including provisions for handling unclaimed remains after 12 months