Latest news with #SB241
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Human mulching legislation passes in Georgia House, heads to governor's desk
An effort to expand how you lay your loved ones to rest in Georgia passed its second floor vote, putting it on its way to the governor's office for approval. Senate Bill 241 would allow dead Georgians to be disposed of through 'organic human reduction.' In short, a dead Georgian can have their remains composted or mulched, rather than being buried or cremated. SB 241 changes regulations in the state of Georgia when it comes to how burials and funerary rites can be conducted, while setting safeguards to ensure respectful treatment of the dead. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The bill requires certain steps be taken to ensure proper identification and licensing of funeral homes and mortuaries to perform the mulching and composting process, in addition to maintaining records for unclaimed remains. Establishments that seek to undertake this service would have to receive permits to dispose of human remains or fetuses through this method, including for burial at sea. TRENDING STORIES: UGA student's smiling mugshot breaks the internet Man bitten by unruly passenger on Delta flight says he tried to help restrain him Georgia Tech student realizes his classmate is the doctor who delivered him The bill also states clearly that 'the disposition of organically reduced remains shall not constitute the offense of abandonment of a dead human body,' meaning it would not be considered illegal to leave the remains, cared for in this way, in nature. Lawmakers also set the following definitions for what organic human reduction is in Georgia: 'Organic human reduction' means the contained, accelerated conversion of dead human bodies to soil. 'Organic human reduction container' means a container in which organic human reduction occurs. 'Organic human reduction facility' means a location where organic human reduction is performed. 'Organically reduced remains' means the resulting residue of a dead human body that has undergone organic human reduction. Similar to the release of remains after cremation, crematories and other establishments that handle remains would be able to release the composted remains to an authorized person on behalf of the deceased. Those authorized to receive remains would be members of the dead's family, whether a spouse, child, parent or sibling who is 18 or older and is net of kin to the dead, or a legal guardian, personal representative or public health officer, according to SB 241. Along with the new regulations for funeral services involving human composting, the bill also sets fines for those who violate the rules, including up to $500 for each violation. The bill also makes it illegal for those operating funeral service businesses to reward people or provide commission for the encouragement of using their services. For the indigent, the state would also be able to choose organic human reduction or cremation for burial, rather than a typical casket burial, if the family or immediate kin are also indigent or unable to provide funds for the dead's final disposition. If approved by Gov. Brian Kemp, Georgia would be the 13th state in the country to allow it. Should Kemp approve, the bill would take effect July 1. The first in the United States to allow human composting or mulching for funerals was the State of Washington, in 2019. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed Texas law would crack down on cities not enforcing state homeless camping ban
The Brief Senate Bill 241 proposes measures to crack down on cities that do not enforce the state's homeless camping ban. If cities don't uphold the ban, the bill says the Texas Department of Public Safety can come in and enforce it, Advocates for the homeless are worried the legislation won't actually help fix the problem. AUSTIN, Texas - It's been more than three years since Austin voters banned homeless camping in the city, and a statewide camping ban went into effect. However, camps remain in many areas, and now a new bill in the legislature could put pressure on cities like Austin to remove them. What we know The Senate Local Government Committee took up Senate Bill 241 on Monday afternoon to crack down on cities that do not enforce the state's homeless camping ban. S.B. 241 specifies that a "local entity may not prohibit or discourage the investigation or enforcement of violations of the public camping ban following official, written complaints made by a person." If cities don't uphold the ban, the bill says the Texas Department of Public Safety can come in and enforce it, and the state can withhold sales tax from the city to offset the cost. Under the legislation, cities can establish designated camping areas, but they must be approved by the state. What they're saying "This is a law that's not being followed," said the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Pete Flores (R-Pleasanton). "That's not fair to the citizens, both those that have homes and those that are homeless." "We were grateful for the state for for basically backing what voters demanded. Unfortunately, the enforcement aspects of that state law, I think were not strong enough," said Matt Mackowiak, co-founder of Save Austin Now. "It's another example of the state of Texas doing the job the city of Austin has been unable or unwilling to do," said Mackowiak. The other side "They want to make an example of Austin," said Austin Mutual Aid executive director Sasha Rose. Advocates like Rose are worried the legislation won't actually help fix the problem. "What are we criminalizing, really? We're criminalizing poverty. We're criminalizing our most vulnerable communities," said Rose. Some are worried SB 241 will create more barriers for people trying to escape homelessness. "I'm concerned that it will limit the ability of someone who works in law enforcement to show a little discretion and help people when they can, instead of issuing a citation," said Texas Homeless Network president and CEO Eric Samuels. The backstory In 2021, Austin voters approved Proposition B, which outlawed camping on public property. City to enact four-phase plan to reinstate camping ban Leaders, community react to Prop B passage, camping ban reinstatement Prop B passes, reinstates camping ban in downtown Austin Soon after that, the legislature passed a statewide camping ban. While many encampments have been cleared out, hundreds remain across Austin. What's next Austin is already using the Marshaling Yard and converted hotels for shelters, but people on both sides of this bill agree more needs to be done. "I would like to see our city investing in increasing shelter beds at a much more rapid rate," said Rose. Temporary emergency homeless shelter extends stay at Marshalling Yard New trade school at Austin homeless shelter hopes to give purpose, jobs to residents Marshalling Yard temporary shelter funded through September 2025 "Build more permanent, supportive and deeply affordable housing," said Samuels. "We want our homeless individuals to be safe and sheltered, but we want them to be receiving services," said Mackowiak. The Source Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak.
