Delaware bills · 153rd General Assembly (2025-2026)
Delaware HB 359
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 AND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF HUMAN REMAINS.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became law
Sponsors
- David L. Wilson (Republican)
- Melanie Ross Levin (Democratic)
- Russell Huxtable (Democratic)
- Kerri Evelyn Harris (Democratic)
- Claire Snyder-Hall (Democratic)
- Sarah McBride
- Stell Parker Selby
- Ray Seigfried (Democratic)
- Nicole Poore (Democratic)
- DeShanna U Neal (Democratic)
Summary
Official abstract published by the Delaware legislature· synopsis
This Act permits the State to bury or cremate an unclaimed body or remains of an indigent individual without requiring written consent of the next of kin or other legally responsible party.
This statutory change will reduce costs, conserve cemetery space, and reduce environmental impacts by limiting formaldehyde exposure in the soil.
Text versions
Roll-call votes
State vote data last updated Oct 14, 2026, 4:02 AM.
| Date | Vote | Result | Your legislators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 2026 Senate | 2/3 | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
| May 5, 2026 House | SM | pass | Set your home in Delaware to see |
Actions
- Sep 24, 2026
Signed by Governor - Jun 25, 2026 · Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES - Jun 17, 2026 · Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 7 Favorable - May 5, 2026 · Senate
Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate - May 5, 2026 · House
Passed By House. Votes: 37 YES 4 ABSENT - Apr 22, 2026 · House
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 1 Favorable, 9 On Its Merits - Apr 15, 2026 · House
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House