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TN HB2591

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/3/2026

Primary Sponsor

Ron Travis

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

114th General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Legalizes "organic human reduction" (human composting) in Tennessee, defined as the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to compost or soil using a biological decomposition container

  • Requires organic human reduction facilities to obtain permits from the Department of Health and maintain records for at least 7 years, with oversight by the Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers

  • Prohibits processing multiple bodies simultaneously in the same container, using the same chamber for both human and animal remains, and removing valuables without specific authorization

  • Establishes chain-of-custody requirements including signed receipts for body delivery and release of remains, permanent identification devices in containers, and trackable shipping methods

  • Takes effect July 1, 2026 for operations, with immediate effect for rulemaking purposes

Legislative Description

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 11, Chapter 6, Part 1; Title 62, Chapter 5; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to human remains.

Funeral Directors and Embalmers

Last Action

Assigned to s/c Business & Utilities Subcommittee

2/5/2026

Committee Referrals

Commerce2/5/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available