OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington appears set to become the first state to allow a burial alternative known as "natural organic reduction" — an accelerated decomposition process that turns bodies into soil within weeks.

The bill legalizing the process, sometimes referred to as "human composting," has passed the Legislature and is headed to the desk of Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee.

If signed by Inslee, the new law would take effect May 1, 2020. Inslee spokeswoman Jaime Smith said that while the governor's office is still reviewing the bill, "this seems like a thoughtful effort to soften our footpr...