SB1526 Summary

• Establishes written instructions procedure for funeral arrangements and body disposition decisions when multiple family members share decision-making authority over a decedent's remains.

• Requires funeral establishments to provide written notice to all individuals with shared decision-making rights about the decedent's written instructions and grant them 48 hours to object before proceeding.

• Allows individuals who do not object within 48 hours of receiving notice to be counted as supporting the decedent's instructions when determining majority agreement among decision-makers.

• Provides liability protection for funeral establishments that rely in good faith on the priority order established in Michigan law and do not require them to send notices or independently investigate family relationships.

• Preserves anatomical gift decisions made under public health code and maintains existing priority hierarchy for funeral decision-making authority based on surviving spouse, family relationships, personal representatives, guardians, and county officials.