Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2239: Family burial grounds
Status: Signed into law, March 24, 2026
Providing Washingtonians and their loved ones with location choices for interment of remains.
What the bill says
An act Relating to recognizing individual and family connectivity with the land by providing Washingtonians and their loved ones with the option to have their remains interred in a family burial ground; amending RCW 7.80.120, 68.04.060, 68.04.080, 68.04.100, 68.05.400, 68.20.010, 68.20.140, 68.50.130, and 84.36.020; reenacting and amending RCW 64.06.020; adding a new section to chapter 68.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 68.28 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.334 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 68 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties…
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to recognizing individual and family connectivity with the land by providing Washingtonians and their loved ones with the option to have their remains interred in a family burial ground; amending RCW 7.80.120, 68.04.060, 68.04.080, 68.04.100, 68.05.400, 68.20.010, 68.20.140, 68.50.130, and 84.36.020; reenacting and amending RCW 64.06.020; adding a new section to chapter 68.04 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 68.28 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.334 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 68 RCW; creating a new section; prescribing penalties; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to enable creation of family burial grounds on privately owned property in order to provide greater flexibility and options for individuals in choosing where to be interred. It is further the intent of the legislature to honor and support individual and family connectivity with the land. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) A natural person may designate an area of land owned by the person as a family burial ground. (2) If a property is co-owned by two or more natural persons, a family burial ground may be established on the property only with the written consent of all co-owners of the property. (3) A family burial ground may not be established on any property co-owned by a …