South Dakota Codified Laws 34-26A-1. Definitions
Terms used in this chapter mean:
(1) “Alternative container,” a receptacle into which a decedent is placed for transport to a crematory and cremation and which:
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 34-26A-1
- Decedent: A deceased person.
(a) Is made of combustible material;
(b) Provides complete covering for the decedent;
(c) Is impermeable;
(d) Is sufficiently rigid for handling; and
(e) Provides protection for the health and safety of crematory personnel;
(2) “Cremated remains,” all human remains recovered upon completion of the cremation process, together with the residual of:
(a) The container used for the cremation, if combustible;
(b) Dental work; and
(c) Combustible personal effects;
(3) “Cremation,” the process of:
(a) Using heat and flame to reduce human remains to ashes and bone fragments; and
(b) The subsequent pulverization of any remaining bone fragments;
(4) “Cremation chamber,” the enclosed space within which the cremation process occurs;
(5) “Crematory,” the building or portion of a building that houses the cremation chamber and the holding facility;
(6) “Holding facility,” an area that is within or adjacent to a crematory, designated for the retention of decedents prior to their cremation, and secure from access by unauthorized persons;
(7) “Processing,” the reduction of identifiable bone fragments to unidentifiable bone fragments; and
(8) “Temporary container,” a receptacle made of cardboard, plastic film, or similar material, intended for the purpose of holding cremated remains until an urn or other permanent container is acquired.
Source: SL 1988, ch 283, § 1; SL 1989, ch 298, §§ 1, 2; SL 1998, ch 211, §§ 1 to 3; SL 2023, ch 129, § 2.