Current legislative status...
4/20/2026: We are encouraged by the strong and thoughtful engagement we’ve received from members of the Tennessee General Assembly, as well as from the Government Relations Committee of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. These conversations reflect a growing interest in bringing Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), also known as terramation, to Tennessee in a way that is both responsible and widely understood.
The legislation we introduced—HB 2591 / SB 2620—will be placed on hold for this legislative session. This is a normal and expected part of the legislative process; most bills benefit from additional time for education, stakeholder input, and careful refinement before passage.
Over the coming months, we will continue working closely with legislators, funeral professionals, and other key partners to deepen understanding of NOR and ensure that any future implementation in Tennessee is thoughtful, well-regulated, and aligned with the needs and values of our communities. Our intent is to reintroduce the bill in the next session, with a goal of passage by July 2027.
Importantly, our legislative sponsors have emphasized that this is not a partisan issue. Rather, it is a common-sense opportunity to expand choice for Tennessee families while supporting innovation and environmental stewardship. Taking the time to bring all voices to the table will ultimately serve the public’s best interest.
We are deeply grateful to our bill sponsors for their leadership and commitment to this effort:
Representative Ron Travis (R–Rhea County), Senator Jeff Yarbro (D–Nashville), Senator Shane Reeves (R–Murfreesboro), and Senator Heide Campbell (D–Nashville). Their support has helped launch an important conversation—one that we believe will lead to meaningful, lasting change for Tennessee families and the environment.
Legislative Background
NOR is currently legal in 14 states, with momentum continuing to grow nationwide. In the Southeast, Georgia became the first state to legalize NOR. The legislation passed both the Georgia House and Senate with near-unanimous, bipartisan support.
In conversations with the bill’s primary Senate sponsor, Senator Rick Williams (R), we learned that the legislation faced no organized opposition. The bill was introduced in February 2025 and signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in May of the same year. It is difficult to predict whether the legislation in Tennessee will move forward easily. That is why it is important to build a coalition of Tennesseans who want this as an option when considering funeral dispositions
Nationally, legalization of NOR is widely expected to continue over the next five to ten years. By acting now, Tennessee has an opportunity to lead rather than follow—allowing Tennessee-based funeral professionals and small businesses to establish NOR services early, before the industry becomes dominated by large, out-of-state providers.
How a Bill Becomes Law in Tennessee
Simplified overview
1. Bill Introduced
A Tennessee legislator files a bill in the House or Senate. This officially starts the process. It requires both a House sponsor and a Senate sponsor.
2. First Reading
The bill is introduced to the full chamber without debate.
3. Second Reading
Following the first reading, the bill is again before the full chamber without debate. The Speaker then refers it to the appropriate standing committee.
4. Committee Review
The committee that studies the issue, hears explanations, and votes on whether it should move forward. The bill could be sent to multiple committees and/or sub-committees if warranted. (All bills that impact the State budget, will also require approval from the Finance Committee.)
5. Placed on the Calendar
If approved by committee, the bill is scheduled for debate by the full House or Senate.
6. Third Reading & Floor Vote
The full chamber debates the bill, may amend it, and votes. A majority vote is required to pass.
7. Considered by the Other Chamber
The bill goes through the same process in the other chamber (House or Senate). If differences arise, lawmakers work to agree on one final version.
8. Sent to the Governor
Once both chambers approve the same version, the bill is sent to the Governor to be signed, vetoed, or allowed to become law without a signature.
