Weekly intelligence for deathcare professionals. Legislative updates, industry trends, and community highlights — every Monday morning.
Latest issue · #20
May 12, 2026Issue #20 · May 12, 2026
Two critical operator-impact bills advanced this week. Plus: 18 new verified Michigan funeral directors, and the industry's first coalition position on direct cremation regulation.
Editor's note
"This was a big week for the legislative layer. MI HB 4521 cleared committee with bipartisan support — a win for operators who have been waiting 14 months for the preneed reform. Ohio's AH bill is now the first alkaline hydrolysis measure in the Midwest to reach a Senate floor vote. More to watch."
Bills to watch this week
Preneed funeral trust reform — requires 100% trust funding, independent audits, and state-mandated consumer disclosures. Cleared committee 7-2 with bipartisan support.
Alkaline hydrolysis authorization — would make Ohio the 27th state to permit AH. Senate floor vote expected by Memorial Day. Industry position: 88% support among verified operators.
Direct cremation pricing disclosure requirements — proposed mandated itemization and advertising rules. Opposition from operators hardened this week; coalition of 134 operators filed formal opposition.
18
New members
3
Bills tracked
47
Discussions
4
States active
IL HB 5092 faces unexpected opposition from cemetery operators. Michigan preneed hearings produced the most detailed committee markup in the bill's history. What both mean for your operation.
WA HB 2201 signed into law last week. Direct disposition providers now face the same consumer protection requirements as licensed funeral homes. Plus the first survey results from the Michigan operator panel.
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