SB535 Summary

• Defines "mortuary service" as a location where embalming or cremation is practiced for a licensed funeral establishment without retail sales, and establishes application and inspection requirements for mortuary service licensure.

• Increases licensing, application, examination, and renewal fees across all funeral service categories; raises maximum fines from $500 to $500-$2,500 for various violations including failure to register and unlicensed practice.

• Substantially revises authorized agent provisions for directing disposition of remains, specifying priority order (spouse, children, parents, siblings, preneed contract designee, executor, next of kin, public official, or willing person) and conditions for forfeiture of disposition rights.

• Limits funeral director liability by protecting those who rely in good faith on authorizing agent instructions; requires funeral service pricing to conform to Federal Trade Commission rules.

• Requires board membership diversity reflecting racial, gender, geographic, and economic characteristics of Alabama; increases per diem allowance from 10 to 20 days annually; authorizes board to delegate license examination administration; establishes formal complaint and due process hearing procedures.

• Prohibits crematory facilities from cremating deceased animals and repeals donor eye enucleation licensing provisions.