(COLUMBUS) - An Ohio lawmaker has introduced legislation that would allow a new option for handling human remains: human composting.
Senate Bill 323, introduced by Republican Sen. Louis Blessing III of Colerain Township, would legalize a process known as natural organic reduction, sometimes called terramation. The method uses a specialized container to speed up decomposition, turning human remains into soil.
The proposal would create regulations for facilities offering the service. The Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors would be responsible for setting licensing, sanitation, and operational standards.
Under the bill, facilities would be required to maintain clean and sanitary conditions, and human remains would have to be processed separately from animal remains.
Supporters say the measure would give families another option that aligns with environmental or personal values. Some companies offering the service say the process typically takes about one month and costs between $5,000 and $7,000.
However, the proposal has drawn opposition from some religious groups, including the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which has raised concerns about how human remains are treated.
The bill has already received hearings at the Statehouse, with additional testimony expected as lawmakers continue debate.