The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bipartisan bill that would legalize the conversion of human remains into soil through a process known as natural organic reduction, advancing the measure to the State Senate.

House Bill 3660 would classify the practice as a form of cremation under state law, allowing decomposed human remains to be processed into soil material. The bill passed 59–37, with support from both Republicans and Democrats, including a majority of GOP lawmakers.

The legislation is sponsored by Republican State Rep. Eddy Dempsey and Republican State Sen. Casey Murdock, who represent largely rural districts. Supporters have framed the measure as an alternative burial method, while opponents argue it raises ethical and cultural concerns.

Republican State Rep. Jim Shaw criticized the proposal, saying it expands practices he opposes involving the use of biosolids as fertilizer. He argued the policy conflicts with conservative principles and warned it could further normalize the use of human-derived material in agriculture.

The proposal would allow a process in which human remains are placed in controlled environments with organic materials such as wood chips and straw, accelerating decomposition over several weeks. The resulting soil can then be returned to families for use in gardens, memorial sites, or other locations.

If enacted, Oklahoma would become the first reliably Republican-led state to legalize the practice, which is already permitted in multiple states. The bill’s fate now depends on the State Senate, where lawmakers could approve, amend, or reject the measure.

Governor Kevin Stitt has not publicly indicated whether he would sign the legislation if it reaches his desk.