TRADITIONAL & NONTRADITIONAL CREMATION

SB 368 expands New Mexico's legal definition of "cremation" to include chemical and biological processes, not just traditional flame-based methods. This change directly affects funeral service providers, crematories, and individuals making end-of-life arrangements by adding these non-traditional methods to the state's Funeral Services Act. The bill amends key definitions in state law to clarify that "cremate" means reducing remains through "direct flame, chemical agent or biological processing," and updates related terms like "cremated remains" to reflect this broader scope. These changes ensure legal clarity for facilities using newer methods and provide clearer authorization requirements for decedents. The bill does not alter burial practices or create new requirements beyond defining the cremation process.