Authorizing green burial and natural burial
SB 1057 authorizes natural burial in West Virginia, allowing families to bury human remains without embalming, vaults, or non-biodegradable containers using biodegradable shrouds or caskets. It directly affects families seeking eco-friendly or cost-effective burial options, cemeteries (which may choose to offer natural burial without extra licensing), and funeral directors (as licensure is no longer required for natural burial). Key provisions include removing embalming mandates, setting public health standards for timely burial, and prohibiting cemeteries or professional groups from requiring embalming or non-biodegradable materials. The bill also prevents funeral service boards from regulating natural burial beyond statutory limits. It takes effect 90 days after passage.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 21, 2026
Last action Feb 21, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Feb 21, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 21, 2026
Committee
To Government Organization
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jack Woodrum
RRepublican
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