South Dakota § 34-26A-1 - Definitions.

§ 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:

(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.