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Summary

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This legislation updates Rhode Island law to legalize and regulate two new methods for the final disposition of human remains: alkaline hydrolysis (often called water cremation) and natural organic reduction (human composting). The bill defines these processes and creates a licensing framework for "disposition facilities" where these services will be performed. It mandates that these facilities meet specific health and safety standards, undergo regular inspections, and obtain necessary permits similar to traditional crematories. Additionally, the bill updates the state's fee schedule to include these new facility licenses and disposition certificates.
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Analysis

Pros for Progressives

  • Promotes environmental sustainability by legalizing natural organic reduction and alkaline hydrolysis, which significantly reduce carbon emissions and eliminate the release of harmful chemicals like mercury compared to traditional cremation and embalming.
  • Expands bodily autonomy and consumer choice, allowing individuals to select end-of-life options that align with their personal values regarding the environment and the cycle of life.
  • Modernizes the death care industry by embracing scientific advancements, potentially reducing the land use required for traditional cemeteries and offering community-oriented, sustainable alternatives.

Cons for Progressives

  • Does not include specific provisions or subsidies to ensure these environmentally friendly options are affordable for low-income families, potentially making "green death" a privilege of the wealthy.
  • Risk of corporate consolidation where large funeral service conglomerates dominate the market for these new technologies, squeezing out small, local, family-owned funeral homes that cannot afford the infrastructure.
  • The legislation focuses heavily on licensing and fees but offers limited details on zoning or community input regarding where these new disposition facilities can be located.

Pros for Conservatives

  • Supports free-market principles by removing government prohibitions on alternative death care services, fostering competition and innovation within the funeral industry.
  • Enhances individual liberty and property rights by allowing citizens to decide how their own remains should be handled without unnecessary state restriction.
  • Creates new business opportunities and revenue streams for funeral home owners and entrepreneurs who wish to invest in and offer these modern services.

Cons for Conservatives

  • Undermines traditional and religious values regarding the sanctity of the human body by legally treating remains as material to be dissolved in chemicals or composted into soil.
  • Expands the size and scope of government by creating new regulatory definitions, licensing requirements, and bureaucratic oversight for private businesses.
  • May be viewed as a "slippery slope" toward the dehumanization of society, where efficiency and environmental ideology supersede the traditional, respectful treatment of the dead.

Constitutional Concerns

None Likely

Impact Overview

Groups Affected

  • Funeral Directors
  • Cemetery Operators
  • Families of the Deceased
  • Environmental Advocates
  • Medical Examiners

Towns Affected

All

Cost to Taxpayers

None

Revenue Generated

Disposition Facilities: $120/application, Disposition Facilities: $120/renewal, Estate of Deceased: $30/disposition certificate

BillBuddy Impact Ratings

Importance

30

Measures population affected and overall level of impact.

Freedom Impact

15

Level of individual freedom impacted by the bill.

Public Services

10

How much the bill is likely to impact one or more public services.

Regulatory

30

Estimated regulatory burden imposed on the subject(s) of the bill.

Clarity of Bill Language

90

How clear the language of the bill is. Higher ambiguity equals a lower score.

Enforcement Provisions

80

Measures enforcement provisions and penalties for non-compliance (if applicable).

Environmental Impact

60

Impact the bill will have on the environment, positive or negative.

Privacy Impact

60

Impact the bill is likely to have on the privacy of individuals.

Bill Status

Current Status

Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law

History

• 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House Corporations

Bill Text

SECTION 1. Sections 5-33.2-1, 5-33.2-13, 5-33.2-13.1, 5-33.2-13.2, 5-33.2-15, 5-33.2-17 and 5-33.2-24 of the General Laws in Chapter 5-33.2 entitled "Funeral Director/Embalmer and Funeral Service Establishments" are hereby amended to read as follows:
5-33.2-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter:
(1) "Alkaline hydrolysis" or "hydrolysis" means the reduction of human remains to bone fragments and essential elements in a licensed hydrolysis facility using heat, pressure, water, and base chemical agents.
(2) "Alkaline hydrolysis facility" means a structure, room or other space in a building or real property where alkaline hydrolysis of a human body occurs.
(1)(3) “Board” means the state board of funeral directors/embalmers.
(2)(4) “Cremation” means a two-part (2) procedure where a dead human body or body parts are reduced by direct flames to residue that includes bone fragments and the pulverization of the bone fragments to a coarse powdery consistency.
(3)(5) “Department” means the Rhode Island department of health.
(6) "Disposition facility" means a building or structure utilized for the reducing of human remains by means of cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction.
(4)(7) “Division” means the division of professional regulation created under chapter 26 of this title.
(5)(8) “Embalmer” means any person who has completed an internship; full course of study at an accredited mortuary science school; has passed the national board examination; and is engaged in the practice or profession of embalming, as defined in this section.
(6)(9) “Embalming” means the practice, science, or profession of preserving, disinfecting, and preparing in any manner dead human bodies for burial, cremation, or transportation.
(7)(10) “Funeral” means a period following death in which there are religious services or other rites or ceremonies with the body of the deceased present.
(8)(11)(i) “Funeral directing” means:
(A) Conducting funeral services; or
(B) The arrangement for disposition of dead human bodies, except in the case of any religion where the preparation of the body or the provision of funeral services should be done according to religious custom or belief.
(ii) Only funeral directors/embalmers working for a licensed funeral establishment are allowed to meet with families for the purpose of arranging funerals. Provided, that any person who assumed an ownership interest from his or her spouse or any widow or widower of a licensed funeral director who at the time of November 1, 1995, has been meeting with families to arrange for the conducting of funeral services is allowed to continue this practice.
(9)(12) “Funeral director/embalmer” means any person engaged, or holding himself or herself out as engaged, in the practice or profession of funeral directing, and the science, practice, or profession of embalming as previously defined, including a funeral director of record, who may be a funeral director at more than one establishment or any other word or title intending to imply or designate him or her as a funeral director/embalmer, undertaker, or mortician. The holder of this license must be the holder of an embalmer’s license.
(10)(13) “Funeral director/embalmer intern” means any person engaged in learning the practice or profession of funeral directing and the science, practice, or profession of embalming under the instruction and supervision of a funeral director/embalmer licensed and registered under the provisions of this chapter and actively engaged in the practice or profession of funeral directing and embalming in this state.
(11)(14) “Funeral establishment” means a fixed place, establishment, or premises, licensed by the department, devoted to the activities that are incident, convenient, or related to the care and preparation, arrangement, financial and otherwise, for the funeral, transportation, burial, or other disposition of human dead bodies and including, but not limited to, a suitable room with all instruments and supplies used for the storage or preparation of dead human bodies for burial or LC003543 - Page 2 of 20 other disposition.
(12)(15) “Funeral merchandise” means those items that are normally presented for sale as part of the funeral home operation on a for-profit basis. These items include caskets, sealed, warranted outer-burial containers, and burial clothing. Not included are urns, grave markers, and non-sealed outer-burial containers. All persons engaged in the sale of funeral merchandise must comply with the provisions of chapter 33.1 of this title.
(16) "Natural organic reduction (NOR)" means the contained, accelerated conversion of human remains to soil.
(17) "Natural organic reduction facility" means a structure, room or other space in a building or real property where natural organic reduction of a human body occurs.
(13)(18) “Person” includes individuals, partnerships, corporations, limited-liability companies, associations, and organizations of all kinds.
(14)(19) “Practice of funeral service” means a person engaging in providing shelter, care, and custody of human dead remains; in the practice of preparing of the human dead remains by embalming or other methods for burial or other disposition; in entering into a funeral service contract; engaging in the functions of funeral directing and/or embalming as presently known, including those stipulated within this chapter and as defined in the Federal Trade Commission “Funeral Rule.” The practice of conducting funeral services shall be conducted in the presence of a licensed funeral director/embalmer.
5-33.2-13. Funeral establishment and branch officer — Crematories — Inspections — Denial of access Funeral establishment and branch officer — Disposition facilities — Inspections — Denial of access.
(a) Any licensed funeral director/embalmer employed, authorized, and empowered by the division of professional regulation may enter any funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility licensed under the provisions of this chapter, during the hours the funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility is open for business, for the purpose of inspecting the sanitary conditions, complaint investigations, and ascertaining if the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations are being observed in the operation of the funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility. The inspector may request permission from the department to be accompanied by another employee of the department of health prior to an inspection. Failure or refusal of the person in charge of that funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility to permit the inspection at all reasonable times shall be deemed sufficient cause for the revocation of any license issued to the funeral establishment, funeral- LC003543 - Page 3 of 20 establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility and any certificate of approval issued by the division.
(b) Funeral establishments and branch offices and crematories disposition facilities licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall be inspected at least twice each year. Inspections shall include all areas of sanitation and public health, complaint investigations, as well as conformity with applicable section of this chapter and the rules and regulations.
5-33.2-13.1. Crematories — License and inspection Disposition facilities — License and inspection.
No crematory disposition facility owned or operated by or located on property licensed as a funeral establishment or at another location or by a cemetery shall conduct cremations, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction without first having applied for and obtained a license from the department. Applications for the crematory disposition facility license shall be made on forms furnished by the division accompanied by the application fee as set forth in § 23-1-54. Upon receipt of a completed application, the department shall issue a license. A license shall be issued to a specific licensee for a specific location and is not transferable. The facility and licensee shall meet all requirements as prescribed by the rules and regulations established by the department, not inconsistent with this chapter.
5-33.2-13.2. Cremation of human remains Disposition of human remains.
(a)(1) Cremation Disposition shall not take place until the necessary permits and consents are issued pursuant to § 23-3-18.
(2) A crematory disposition facility shall not take custody of unidentified human remains.
(3) Human remains designated for cremation shall be cremated without unreasonable delay Disposition of human remains shall occur without unreasonable delay.
(4) When the crematory disposition facility is unable to cremate initiate the disposition process of the human remains immediately upon taking custody, the crematory disposition facility shall provide a holding facility that complies with any applicable public health law and that preserves the dignity of the human remains.
(5) Holding facilities must be secure from access by all unauthorized persons.
(6) A crematory disposition facility shall not simultaneously cremate conduct the process of reduction of human remains of more than one human remain within the same cremation disposition chamber. The processing, packaging, storage, and disposition of cremated remains following cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction shall be as prescribed in the rules and regulations promulgated by the department of health division of professional regulation.
(7) A crematory disposition facility or funeral home shall be authorized to dispose of the LC003543 - Page 4 of 20 cremated remains following cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction that have been abandoned at the crematory disposition facility or funeral home for more than six (6) months. All reasonable attempts must be made and diligence exercised to contact the person in charge who authorized the cremation.
(b) This section does not apply to the cremation of various body parts from different human bodies.
5-33.2-15. Annual renewal of licenses.
All licenses issued under the provisions of this chapter must be renewed annually by their holders, who shall pay to the division a yearly renewal fee for the renewal of a funeral director/embalmer’s license, and additional fees for each funeral-establishment branch office license and for the crematory disposition facility license. These fees are as set forth in § 23-1-54. On or before the fifteenth day of November in each year, the division shall mail to each licensed funeral director/embalmer and to each licensed funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, and crematory disposition facility an application for the renewal. Applications, accompanied by the fee for renewal, shall be filed with the division on or before the thirty-first day of December in each year. Applications filed after the thirty-first of December and on or before the fifteenth of January must be accompanied by a fee as set forth in § 23-1-54 for funeral director/embalmers and funeral establishments in addition to the previously established renewal fees. Any funeral director/embalmer who acts or holds himself or herself out as a funeral director/embalmer after his or her certificate has been lapsed shall be punished as provided in this chapter. Any funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch office, or crematory disposition facility that acts or holds itself out as a funeral establishment after its license has lapsed shall be punished as provided in this chapter.
5-33.2-17. Revocation or suspension of license.
(a) The division has the power to refuse to issue or may revoke or suspend any license issued by it under this chapter, after written notification and a hearing before the board for gross incompetency, for unprofessional conduct, which is defined to include:
(1) Conviction of a felony;
(2) Misrepresentations made of services, goods, or of funeral prices or fraud committed as a holder of a license for the practice of embalming, funeral directing, or the holder of a license as a funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch, or crematory disposition facility;
(3) False or misleading advertising as the holder of a license for the practice of embalming, funeral directing, or the holder of a license as a funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch, or crematory disposition facility; violating any regulations relating to “truth in advertising”; or LC003543 - Page 5 of 20 failure to do the following:
(i) List only full-time employees or those having an ownership interest in the advertisements including his or her title, which clearly identifies one’s duties;
(ii) List the name of the funeral director of record for the establishment in all advertising;
(iii) A deceased founder may be listed in advertisements with the notation “founder” following the name;
(4) Solicitation of dead human bodies by any licensed embalmer, funeral director, funeral attendant, or the holder of license as a funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch or crematory disposition facility, its agents, assistants, or employees, whether the solicitation occurs after death or while death is impending; provided, that this does not prohibit general advertising;
(5) Employment directly or indirectly of any intern, agent, assistant, employee, or other person, on part or full-time, or on commission, for the purpose of calling upon individuals or institutions by whose influence dead human bodies may be turned over to a particular funeral establishment;
(6) The direct or indirect payment or offer of payment of a commission by any funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch, or crematory disposition facility, its agents, assistants, or employees for the purpose of securing business;
(7) Solicitation or acceptance by a licensed funeral director/embalmer, or the holder of a license as a funeral establishment, funeral-establishment branch, or crematory disposition facility, of any commission or bonus or rebate in consideration of recommending or causing a dead human body to be disposed of in any crematory disposition facility, mausoleum, or cemetery;
(8) Using any funeral merchandise previously used in whole or in part without prior written permission of the person selecting and/or paying for the use of the merchandise;
(9) Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter;
(10) Violation of any state law or rule and regulation affecting the handling, custody, care, transportation, or final disposition of dead human bodies;
(11) Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining or renewing a license;
(12) Refusing to properly release a dead human body to the custody of the person or entity who has the legal right to effect the release and authorized cost has been paid;
(13) Aiding or abetting an unlicensed person to practice funeral directing and embalming or holding oneself out as a licensed funeral director/embalmer;
(14) Failure to secure any required permit for removal or burial of dead human remains prior to interment or final disposition;
(15) Knowingly making any false statement on a certificate of death; LC003543 - Page 6 of 20
(16) Violation of chapter 33.1 of this title entitled “Funeral Service Contracts”;
(17) Discriminating in services because of race, creed, color, or national origin;
(18) Permitting non-funeral service licensees to make arrangements for a funeral prior to, or at, need unless exempted under chapter 33.1 of this title or a registered intern under the supervision of a licensee;
(19) Substantial or repeated violations of the rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or for other violations deemed sufficient; provided, that before any license is revoked or suspended, the license holder shall have notice, in writing, of the charge or charges against him or her and shall have reasonable opportunity to be heard in his or her defense.
(b) Any person whose certificate has been revoked or suspended may apply to have the certificate reissued, and the certificate shall be reissued to him or her upon a satisfactory showing that disqualification has ceased.
5-33.2-24. Proper authority for funeral arrangements and disposition of human remains.
Every licensed funeral director/embalmer, licensed funeral establishment, licensed crematory disposition facility, and cemetery shall comply with the following rules with respect to proper authority for funeral arrangements and disposition of human remains:
(1) If a licensed funeral establishment is a party to a funeral service contract, as defined in § 5-33.1-2, for the benefit of a deceased person, only when executed by the principal, him or herself, and the contract is still in effect at the time of that person’s death, the terms of that contract shall control the nature of the funeral goods and services to be provided; the manner in which funeral services are to be conducted for the deceased; and the final disposition of the deceased person’s remains to the full extent provided in that contract. When the contract is executed by the principal, him or herself, and specifies cremation as the chosen disposition, the contract is considered sufficient legal authorization for cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction as the chosen disposition, the contract is considered sufficient legal authorization for cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction. No licensed funeral establishment, licensed crematory disposition facility, or cemetery, nor any of its agents or employees, may cancel or materially alter any of the arrangements specified in that contract, even if requested to do so by a member of the deceased person’s family or a funeral planning agent designated pursuant to chapter 33.3 of this title unless compliance with the terms of the original contract would result in a violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law or regulation, notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter.
(2) To the extent that there is no funeral service contract in effect at the time of death for LC003543 - Page 7 of 20 the benefit of the deceased person, indicating the wishes of the deceased person with respect to the nature of the funeral goods and services to be provided, the manner in which funeral services are to be conducted, or the final disposition of the deceased person’s remains, then the funeral establishment and its agents or employees shall follow the directions of the deceased person’s survivors in the following order of priority:
(i) An agent designated pursuant to chapter 33.3 of this title, if any;
(ii) The surviving spouse or domestic partner of the deceased;
(iii) The surviving adult children of the deceased;
(iv) The surviving parent(s) of the deceased over the age of eighteen (18), or, if the deceased is a minor, and there is a custody order relative to that child, the custodial parent, after he or she signs an affidavit attesting that he or she does not know the whereabouts of the other parent;
(v) The surviving brother(s) or sister(s) of the deceased;
(vi) The surviving adult grandchildren of the deceased;
(vii) The surviving adult niece(s) or nephew(s) of the deceased;
(viii) The guardian of the person of the deceased at the time of his or her death.
(3) All licensed funeral directors/embalmers, licensed funeral establishments, licensed crematories disposition facilities, cemeteries, and all their agents and employees shall be held harmless, and shall not be subject to civil suit, either as individual(s), partnership(s), or corporation(s), for complying with the provisions of this chapter.
(4) For the purpose of this chapter, “domestic partner” shall be defined as a person who, prior to the decedent’s death, was in an exclusive, intimate, and committed relationship with the decedent and who certifies by affidavit that their relationship met the following qualifications:
(i) Both partners were at least eighteen (18) years of age and were mentally competent to contract;
(ii) Neither partner is married to anyone else;
(iii) Partners were not related by blood to a degree that would prohibit marriage in the state of Rhode Island;
(iv) Partners resided together and had resided together for at least one year at the time of death; and
(v) Partners were financially interdependent as evidenced by at least two (2) of the following:
(A) Domestic partnership agreement or relationship contract;
(B) Joint mortgage or joint ownership of primary residence;
(C) Two (2) of the following: LC003543 - Page 8 of 20
(I) Joint ownership of motor vehicle;
(II) Joint checking account;
(III) Joint credit account;
(IV) Joint lease; and/or
(D) The domestic partner had been designated as a beneficiary for the decedent’s will, retirement contract, or life insurance.

SECTION 2. Section 23-1-54 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-1 entitled "Department of Health" is hereby amended to read as follows:
23-1-54. Fees payable to the department of health.
Fees payable to the department shall be as follows: PROFESSION RIGL Section Description of Fee FEE Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(a) Renewal application $25.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(a) Renewal application: Manicuring Instructors and manicurists $25.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(b) Minimum late renewal fee $25.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-10(b) Maximum late renewal fee $100.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-11[c] Application fee $25.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-11[c] Application fee: manicuring Instructors and manicurists $25.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-13 Demonstrator’s permit $90.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-15 Shop license: initial $170.00 Barbers/hairdressers 5-10-15 Shop license: renewal $170.00 Veterinarians 5-25-10 Application fee $40.00 Veterinarians 5-25-11 Examination fee $540.00 Veterinarians 5-25-12(a) Renewal fee $580.00 Veterinarians 5-25-12[c] Late renewal fee $120.00 Podiatrists 5-29-7 Application fee $240.00 Podiatrists 5-29-11 Renewal fee: minimum $240.00 Podiatrists 5-29-11 Renewal fee: maximum $540.00 Podiatrists 5-29-13 Limited registration $65.00 Podiatrists 5-29-14 Limited registration: Academic faculty $240.00 Podiatrists 5-29-14 Application fee: Renewal minimum $240.00 LC003543 - Page 9 of 20 Podiatrists 5-29-14 Application fee: Renewal maximum $440.00 Chiropractors 5-30-6 Examination fee: $210.00 Chiropractors 5-30-7 Examination exemption fee $210.00 Chiropractors 5-30-8(b) Exam Physiotherapy $210.00 Chiropractors 5-30-8(b) Exam chiro and $210.00 physiotherapy Chiropractors 5-30-12 Renewal fee $210.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Dentist: application fee $965.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Dental hygienist: application fee $65.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-6(d) Reexamination: dentist $965.00 Dentists/dental hygienist 5-31.1-6(d) Reexamination: hygienist $65.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(b) Reinstatement fee dentist $90.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(b) Reinstatement fee hygienist $90.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(c) Inactive status: dentist $220.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-21(c) Inactive status: hygienist $40.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-22 Limited registration $65.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-23[c] Limited reg: Academic faculty $965.00 Dentists/dental hygienists 5-31.1-23[c] Limited reg: Academic faculty renewal $500.00 Electrolysis 5-32-3 Application fee $25.00 Electrolysis 5-32-6(b) Renewal fee $25.00 Electrolysis 5-32-7 Reciprocal license fee $25.00 Electrolysis 5-32-17 Teaching license $25.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-12 Funeral establishment license $120.00 Funeral services establishments Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Renewal: funeral/director - $90.00 Funeral services establishments embalmer $30.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-12 Funeral branch ofc license $90.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-13.1 Crematories Disposition facilities: application fee $120.00 Funeral services establishments Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Renewal: funeral/director LC003543 - Page 10 of 20 Funeral Svcs establishments establishment $120.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Additional branch office Funeral services Establishments licenses $120.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Crematory Disposition facility renewal fee Funeral svcs establishments $120.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-15 Late renewal fee Funeral svcs establishments (All license types) $25.00 Funeral directors/embalmers 5-33.2-16(a) Intern registration fee Funeral Services establishments- $25.00 Nurses 5-34-12 RN Application fee $135.00 Nurses 5-34-16 LPN Application fee $45.00 Nurses 5-34-19 Renewal fee: RN $135.00 Nurses 5-34-19 Renewal fee: LPN $45.00 Nurses 5-34-37 RNP application fee $80.00 Nurses 5-34-37 RNP renewal fee $80.00 Nurses 5-34-37 RNP prescriptive privileges $65.00 Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec application $80.00 Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec renewal $80.00 Nurses 5-34-40.3 Clin nurse spec Rx privilege $65.00 Nurse anesthetists 5-34.2-4(a) CRNA application fee $80.00 Nurse anesthetists 5-34.2-4(b) CRNA renewal fee $80.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-4 Application fee $280.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Renewal fee $280.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Late fee $90.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-7 Reactivation of license fee $65.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-19(b) Violations of section $650.00 Optometrists 5-35.1-20 Violations of chapter $260.00 Opticians 5-35.2-3 Application fee $30.00 Physicians 5-37-2 Application fee $1,090.00 Physicians 5-37-2 Re-examination fee $1,090.00 Physicians 5-37-10(b) Late renewal fee $170.00 Physicians 5-37-16 Limited registration fee $65.00 Physicians 5-37-16.1 Ltd reg: academic faculty $600.00 LC003543 - Page 11 of 20 Physicians 5-37-16.1 Ltd reg: academic Faculty renewal $170.00 Acupuncture 5-37.2-10 Application fee $310.00 Acupuncture 5-37.2-13(4) Acupuncture assistant $310.00 Licensure fee $170.00 Social workers 5-39.1-9 Application fee $70.00 Social workers 5-39.1-9 Renewal fee $70.00 Physical therapists 5-40-8 Application fee $155.00 Physical therapists 5-40-8.1 Application: physical $50.00 therapy assistants Physical therapists 5-40-10(a) Renewal fee: Physical therapists $155.00 Physical therapists 5-40-10(a) Renewal fee: Physical
therapy assistants $50.00 Physical therapists 5-40-10[c] Late renewals $50.00 Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(2) Renewal fee $140.00 Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(5) Late renewal fee $50.00 Occupational therapists 5-40.1-12(b) Reactivation fee $140.00 Occupational therapists 5-40.1-13 Application fee $140.00 Psychologists 5-44-12 Application fee $230.00 Psychologists 5-44-13 Temporary permit $120.00 Psychologists 5-44-15[c] Renewal fee $230.00 Psychologists 5-44-15(e) Late renewal fee $50.00 Nursing home administrators 5-45-10 Renewal fee $160.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-1(14) Speech lang support personnel: late filing $90.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Application fee: Audiologist $65.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Application fee: Speech Pathologist $145.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Renewal fee: Audiologist $65.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(a) Renewal fee: Speech $145.00 Pathologist Speech pathologist/ audiologists 5-48-9(a) Provisional license: renewal fee $65.00 LC003543 - Page 12 of 20 Speech pathologist/au- 5-48-9(b) Late renewal fee $50.00 diologists Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(d)(1) Reinstatement fee: audiologist $65.00 Speech pathologist/audiologists 5-48-9(d)(1) Reinstatement fee: audiologist $65.00 speech pathologists $145.00 personnel: late filing $65.00 Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-6(a) License endorsement Examination fee $25.00 Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-8(b) Temporary permit fee $25.00 Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-8(d) Temporary permit $35.00 renewal fee Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11(a)(1) License fee $25.00 Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11(b) License renewal fee $25.00 Hearing aid dealers/fitters 5-49-11[c] License renewal late fee $25.00 Physician assistants 5-54-9(4) Application fee $110.00 Physician assistants 5-54-11(b) Renewal fee $110.00 Orthotics/prosthetic practice 5-59.1-5 Application fee $120.00 Orthotics/prosthetic practice 5-59.1-12 Renewal fee $120.00 Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Application fee $60.00 Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Renewal fee $60.00 Athletic trainers 5-60-11 Late renewal fee $25.00 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Application fee: Marriage/ Marriage and family Family therapist $130.00 therapists Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Application fee: Mental Marriage and family therapists Health counselors $70.00 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Reexamination fee: Marriage and family therapists Marriage/family therapist $130.00 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-16 Reexamination fee: Marriage and family therapists Mental health counselors $70.00 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(a) Renewal fee: Marriage/ Marriage and Family therapists Family therapist $130.00 LC003543 - Page 13 of 20 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(a) Renewal fee: Marriage and Family therapist Mental health counselor $50.00 Mental health counselors/ 5-63.2-17(b) Late renewal fee: Marriage and Family therapist Marriage and family $90.00 therapist Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-6(b) Application fee $75.00 Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-7 Graduate status: Application fee: $75.00 Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-8 Renewal fee $75.00 Dieticians/nutritionists 5-64-8 Reinstatement fee $75.00 Radiologic technologists 5-68.1-10 Application fee maximum $190.00 Licensed chemical de- 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00 pendency professionals Licensed chemical de- 5-69-9 Renewal fee $75.00 pendency professionals Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00 Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Application fee $75.00 dependency clinical supervisor Licensed chemical 5-69-9 Renewal fee $75.00 dependency clinical supervisor Deaf interpreters 5-71-8(a)(3) License fee maximum $25.00 Deaf interpreters 5-71-8(a)(3) License renewal fee $25.00 Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(1) In-state milk processor $160.00 Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(2) Out-of-state milk processor - $160.00 Milk producers 21-2-7(g)(3) Milk distributors $160.00 Frozen desserts 21-9-3(1) In-state wholesale $550.00 Frozen desserts 21-9-3(2) Out-of-state wholesale $160.00 Frozen desserts 21-9-3(3) Retail frozen dess pro- $160.00 cessors Meats 21-11-4 Wholesale $160.00 Meats 21-11-4 Retail $40.00 Shellfish packing houses 21-14-2 License fee: Shipper/reshipper $320.00 Shellfish packing houses 21-14-2 License fee: LC003543 - Page 14 of 20 Shucker packer/repacker $390.00 Non-alcoholic bottled 21-23-2 Bottler permit beverages, drinks & juices $550.00 Non-alcoholic bottled 21-23-2 Bottle apple cider fee beverages, drinks and juices $60.00 Farm home food manu- 21-27-6.1(4) Registration fee $65.00 facturers Cottage Food Manu- 21-27-6.2(4) Registration fee $65.00 facturers Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(1) Food processors wholesale $300.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(2) Food processors retail $120.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Food service establishments 50 seats or less $160.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Food service establishments more than 50 seats $240.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Mobile food service units $100.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Industrial caterer or food vending Machine commissary $280.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(3) Cultural heritage educational Facility $80.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine Location3 units or less $50.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine Location 4-10 units $100.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(4) Vending Machine Location = 11 units $120.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Mkt 1-2 cash registers $120.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Market 3-5 cash registers $240.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(5) Retail Market = 6 Cash registers $510.00 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(6) Retail food peddler $100.00 LC003543 - Page 15 of 20 Food businesses 21-27-10(e)(7) Food warehouses $190.00 Food businesses 21-27-11.2 Certified food safety mgr $50.00 License verification fee 23-1-16.1 All license types $50.00 Tattoo and body piercing 23-1-39 Annual registration fee: Person $90.00 Tattoo and body piercing 23-1-39 Annual registration fee: establishment $90.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(1) Certificate of birth, fetal death, death, marriage, birth, or Certification that such record Cannot be found $20.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(1) Each duplicate of certificate of birth, fetal death, death, marriage, birth, or certification that such record cannot be found $15.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(2) Each additional calendar year Search, if within 3 months of original search and if receipt of original search presented $2.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(3) Expedited service $7.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(4) Adoptions, legitimations, or Paternity determinations $15.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(5) Authorized corrections, Alterations, and additions $10.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(6) Filing of delayed record and Examination of docu- mentary Proof $20.00 Vital records 23-3-25(a)(6) Issuance of certified copy of a delayed record $20.00 Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Autopsy reports $40.00 Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Cremation, alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction disposition LC003543 - Page 16 of 20 certificates and statistics $30.00 Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Testimony in civil suits: Minimum/day $650.00 Medical Examiner 23-4-13 Testimony in civil suits: Maximum/day $3,250.00 Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Annual fee: ambulance technicians service maximum $540.00 Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Annual fee: vehicle technicians license maximum $275.00 Emergency medical 23-4.1-10[c] Triennial fee: EMT technicians license maximum $120.00 Emergency medical 23-4.1-10(c)(2) Exam fee maximum: $120.00 technicians EMT Emergency medical 23-4.1-10(c)(2) Vehicle inspection technicians Maximum $190.00 Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(a) Clinical laboratory license per specialty $650.00 Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(a) Laboratory station $650.00 license Clinical laboratories 23-16.2-4(b) Permit fee $70.00 Health care facilities 23-17-38 Hospital: base fee $16,900.00 annual Health care facilities 23-17-38 Hospital: annual per $120.00 bed fee Health care facilities 23-17-38 ESRD: annual fee $3,900.00 Health care facilities 23-17-38 Home nursing-care/ home- care providers $650.00 Health care facilities 23-17-38 OACF: annual fee $650.00 Assisted living residences/ 23-17.4-15.2(d) License application fee: $220.00 administrators Assisted living residences/ 23-17.4-15.2(d) License renewal fee: $220.00 administrators LC003543 - Page 17 of 20 Assisted living residences 23-17.4-31 Annual facility fee: base $330.00 Assisted living residences 23-17.4-31 Annual facility per bed $70.00 Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-3 Application: competency evaluation training program maximum $325.00 Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-5 Application fee $35.00 Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-5 Exam fee: skills proficiency $170.00 Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-6 Registration fee $35.00 Nursing assistant registration 23-17.9-7 Renewal fee $35.00 Sanitarians 23-19.3-5(a) Registration fee $25.00 Sanitarians 23-19.3-5(b) Registration renewal $25.00 Massage therapy 23-20.8-3(e) Massage therapist appl fee $65.00 Massage therapy 23-20.8-3(e) Massage therapist $65.00 renewal fee Recreational facilities 23-21-2 Application fee $160.00 Swimming pools 23-22-6 Application license: first pool $250.00 Swimming pools 23-22-6 Additional pool fee at same location $75.00 Swimming pools 23-22-6 Seasonal application license: first pool $150.00 Swimming pools 23-22-6 Seasonal additional pool fee at same location $75.00 Swimming pools 23-22-6 Year-round license for non-profit $25.00 Swimming pools 23-22-10 Duplicate license $2.00 Swimming pools 23-22-12 Penalty for violations $50.00 Respiratory care practitioners - 23-39-11 Application fee $60.00 Respiratory care practitioners 23-39-11 Renewal fee $60.00

SECTION 3. Section 23-3-18 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-3 entitled "Vital Records" is hereby amended to read as follows:
23-3-18. Permits.
(a) The funeral director, his or her duly authorized agent, or another person acting as a duly authorized agent, who first assumes custody of a dead body or fetus shall prepare a burial-transit LC003543 - Page 18 of 20 permit prior to final disposition or removal from the state of the body or fetus and within seven (7) calendar days after death.
(b) The burial-transit permit shall be signed by the funeral director and by the certifying physician as designated in § 23-3-16(c).
(c) A burial-transit permit issued under the law of another state which accompanies a dead body or fetus brought into this state shall be authority for final disposition of the body or fetus in this state.
(d) A permit for disinterment and re-interment shall be required prior to disinterment of a dead body or fetus except as authorized by regulation or otherwise provided by law. The permit shall be issued by the local registrar of vital records at the place of disinterment to a licensed funeral director, embalmer, his or her duly authorized agent, or another person acting as a duly authorized agent, upon proper application.
(e)(1) The body of a deceased person shall not be cremated within An operator of a disposition facility shall not cremate or process by means of alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction or allow the cremation or processing by means of alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction of a dead human body until the passage of at least twenty-four (24) hours after his or her death unless he or she dies of a contagious or infectious disease. The body shall not be received or cremated or processed by means of alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction by any corporation authorized to cremate or conduct the process of alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction of the bodies of the dead until its officers have received the burial permit required by law before burial, and a cremation certificate, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction certificate issued by the Rhode Island office of state medical examiners. A cremation certificate, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction certificate shall be issued only if the office of state medical examiners determines that the cause and manner of death is such that no further examination or judicial inquiry concerning the cause and manner of death is necessary.
(2) The cremation certificate, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction certificate issued to the funeral director by the medical examiner, in duplicate, shall accompany the body to the crematory disposition facility. The crematory disposition facility shall retain the duplicate copy and mail the original copy to the state division of vital records.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect on January 30, 2028.

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