68.50.185 - Individual cremation -- Exception -- Penalty. - Washington Statutes

Individual cremation — Exception — Penalty.

(1) A person authorized to dispose of human remains shall not cremate or cause to be cremated more than one human remains at a time unless written permission, after full and adequate disclosure regarding the manner of cremation, has been received from the person or persons under RCW 68.50.160 having the authority to order cremation. This restriction shall not apply when equipment, techniques, or devices are employed that keep human remains separate and distinct before, during, and after the cremation process.

     (2) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor.

[2005 c 365 § 143; 1987 c 331 § 61; 1985 c 402 § 3. Formerly RCW 68.08.185.]

Notes: Legislative finding -- 1985 c 402: "The legislature finds that certain practices in storing human remains and in performing cremations violate common notions of decency and generally held expectations. In enacting this legislation, the legislature is reaffirming that certain practices, which have never been acceptable, violate principles of human dignity." [1985 c 402 § 1.]