State Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, has pre-filed legislation to clarify state law to allow family members to bury direct family members on private property under certain conditions.

If passed, Walsh said the proposal will address ambiguity in Washington’s laws.

"This remains a small but important property rights issue in our state that needs to be addressed in law. Washington families should be able to bury loved ones who've passed away on privately owned land," Walsh said. "It's a tradition with deep cultural roots in this part of the world. Current state law is not clear on the practice — and many Washington families are carrying on their personal and cultural traditions, uncertain of the legality of what they're doing."

According to Walsh, the proposal builds on previous proposals that received support in the House of Representatives, but have failed to gain traction in the Senate.

The proposal, House Bill 1065, includes bipartisan amendments introduced in prior bills.

If the Legislature adopts the last iteration of the legislation, the proposal would clarify that families must follow local land-use guidelines, including wetlands and title filings, and disallow commercial use, which Walsh says would protect landowners while preserving cultural customs.

"These changes help clear up this uncertainty," Walsh said. "It requires that families follow local land-use guidelines about wetlands, title filings, and other matters. It limits the practice to family members and doesn't allow any sort of commercial use. But it states clearly that, if families follow those rules, they can bury a loved one's remains on land they own."

The proposal is supported by several Native American tribes and property rights organizations, according to Walsh.

"I am honored to have broad support for this worthy reform — from our state's Native American tribes, property-rights groups and Washingtonians interested in our state's history and traditions," the 19th District lawmaker said. "I hope this version of the bill can complete its journey into law."

The Legislature will begin its 105-day session on Jan. 13.