Up in smoke (or maybe not): states eye crematoriums. (On First Reading).

Bodies and body parts in various stages of decomposition lay scattered about the grounds of the Georgia crematorium. Some rested in the woods, some were stacked in outbuildings, some in the pond ... but none had been consigned to the flames as promised by funeral homes that contracted with the business.

The grisly scene has incited lawmakers and funeral directors to spare any more families the same horrendous experience. Many have considered bills to regulate the industry or strengthen existing rules.

And there is cause for a more watchful eye on the part of regulators. Georgia is not alone in unethical conduct by crematorium owners.

A Los Angeles district attorney brought charges against a crematorium owner who allegedly sold body parts to medical schools without the knowledge of family members.

At least a dozen states don't monitor crematoriums. Twenty-seven have laws, but experts question how protective they are. Most regulations deal with licensing, but do not address cremation procedures.

In 2002 legislative action, states devised various plans to deal with crematoriums. Alabama passed a law that provides for cremation procedures and the disposition of cremated remains. A new Connecticut law requires crematories to be inspected annually. Crematoriums in Kansas are now regulated through the State Board of Mortuary Arts.

Specific crematories must obtain permits and licenses, according to a recent Maryland bill. New Jersey passed a law that requires municipal approval for construction and operation of a crematorium. West Virginia introduced a number of bills dealing with the cremation industry and passed legislation to regulate the proper disposal of human remains by an embalmer or crematory operator.

The Cremation Association of North America recommends that states mandate inspections, a part of crematory regulation that the association has not previously proposed. It is formulating guidelines for an inspection program.