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Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

Fact brief: Is water cremation illegal in Texas?

Ella Scott-Dean, Fort Worth Report
yes

Water cremation, a method for cremating bodies also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is not listed as a legal form of cremation under Texas state law. 

The process uses water, alkaline chemicals and heat to accelerate natural decomposition. Water cremation is considered more environmentally friendly than cremation or burial as it uses less fuel and has a lower carbon footprint.

Texas Senate Bill 105 was filed Nov. 14, 2022, to include the cremation of human remains by alkaline hydrolysis into the state’s Health and Safety Code, but was left pending in committee.

Water cremation is currently legal in 26 states, with active practitioners in 15. 

The conversation of legalizing water cremation resurfaced with Texas Funeral Service Commission’s Nov. 1 cease and desist letter to the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, which used the process to dispose of bodies donated for research.

See a full discussion of this at Fort Worth Report

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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