Family members may soon be able to be buried lawfully on family-owned property following a bill passed Thursday in the state House.
Representative Jim Walsh says House Bill 1037 recognizes a long-standing tradition of the burial of family members on private property. The legislation, which received overwhelming support in the House, changes current state law mandating burials be conducted exclusively by registered cemetery corporations.
“The bill recognizes a number of considerations limiting the amount of space that could be used in a way that makes it compliant with clean water considerations, zoning issues – things like this.”
Walsh says the new law makes clear distinctions.
“This is something that people in Washington – including members of some of our native tribes in Washington, have been doing for generations. You can’t just do this in the front yard of your house in an HOA. It respects property law that exists.”
House Bill 1037 received overwhelming support in the House, with a vote of 92-to-1. The measure now advances to the Senate for further consideration.
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