Field notes, policy analyses, bill positions, and questions from verified deathcare operators across the country.
19d ago
SB 1017 is the most significant preneed legislation Michigan has seen in 20 years. The 30-day full-refund window is a big consumer win, but the 10% cancellation cap may actually hurt smaller funeral homes more than large chains — we should be advocating for a sliding scale based on services already delivered.
20d ago
We're supporting SB 892 with amendments. The audit requirement is long overdue — families buying burial rights deserve to know their perpetual care money is safe. Our position: raise the disclosure threshold further and include digital portals for beneficiary access.
22d ago
Field report from Flint, MI: We've seen a 34% increase in direct cremation requests in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025. Families are citing price. The gap between a traditional service and direct cremation has grown to $4,200+ in this market. This is a real pressure point HB 4133 pricing transparency needs to address.
23d ago
What's the actual timeline for the Michigan Board of Mortuary Science to update the cremation technician continuing education requirements if HB 4521 passes? Has anyone spoken directly with the MBMS about the rule-making process? The 12-month implementation window seems optimistic.
25d ago
Anonymous field report (supplier): Q1 2026 wholesale casket orders from Michigan funeral homes down 8% YoY. Direct-to-family casket sales up significantly. The FTC price comparison rule is having a measurable effect on the market. Families are shopping. HB 4133 will accelerate this.
25d ago
Green burial plot sales at Lakeview are up 180% since we opened the conservation section. Waiting list through 2027. If you're a cemetery operator not looking at this segment, you're missing a real market shift. HB 4789 would help us expand — the NOR framework especially.
27d ago
State of Deathcare — Michigan, May 2026: Five bills in active session touching funeral homes, cemeteries, and cremation. SB 892 is furthest along (Senate floor). SB 1017 public hearing was productive; expect amendments on the cancellation fee cap. HB 4521 still in committee — need more testimony from operators. Show up.