MD SB413

Transfers regulatory authority over crematories and reduction facilities (natural organic reduction/human composting) from the Office of Cemetery Oversight to the State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors, effective October 1, 2026

Renames the board to "State Board of Morticians, Funeral Directors, and Crematories" and reduces the Advisory Council on Cemetery Operations from 12 to 11 members by eliminating the crematory representative position

Modifies board governance by changing the quorum requirement from "full authorized membership" to "then-serving appointed members" and allowing action by simple majority vote of the quorum

Expands grounds for Governor to remove board members to include "repeated and unexplained absences" and "any just and reasonable cause," replacing the previous requirement of Secretary recommendation for absences from two successive meetings

Requires the board to establish registration and permitting processes for crematory and reduction facility operators, adopt a code of ethics, set training standards, mandate contamination testing programs for reduction facilities, and employ at least two inspectors