Overview
- State officials say the Landtag plans a Thursday vote and, if approved, the new law would take effect in October.
- The draft ends the coffin requirement, enabling shroud burials and interments in larger rivers such as the Rhine and Moselle.
- It permits synthetic diamonds from cremation ashes, with any remaining ashes required to be buried unless otherwise directed.
- The text strengthens the formal role of funeral directors, reserves ash scattering and portioning to them, and introduces the option of farewells at an open casket.
- It extends burial rights to so‑called Sternenkinder and proposes autopsies for unclear deaths of children up to age six, while the CDU opposes broad liberalizations and seeks permanent honorary graves for fallen service and rescue personnel.