MD HB564

Registered cemeterians, crematory operators, and licensees offering pet cremation services must provide written descriptions of available services to pet owners, veterinarians, pet shops, and others who refer more than 5 pets annually, including clear definitions of private, individual-partitioned, and communal cremation

Pet cremation providers must issue written certificates with returned cremains stating the cremation date, compliance with industry standards, and confirmation that services were performed as described

Records must be maintained for at least 5 years, including signed authorizations, identification tags/tracking documentation, and cremation logbooks specifying date, method, and operator name

Criminal penalties for violations include fines up to $5,000 and 1 year imprisonment for first offense, escalating to $15,000 and 3 years for third or subsequent violations; civil penalties up to $5,000 may also be imposed

Effective date is October 1, 2026, contingent on the passage of S.B. 413 or H.B. 698 of 2026