MS HB1237

Establishes a procedure for for-profit cemeteries to terminate ownership rights to burial spaces or entombment rights that have remained unused for at least 99 years with no improvements.

Requires cemetery owners to send certified mail notice to the last known address of the space owner and advertise in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks if no response is received within 90 days.

Allows termination of rights if the space owner does not respond within 90 days of the final advertisement, after which the cemetery may resell the space.

Permits terminated space owners who later contact the cemetery to either reclaim the original space (if unsold) or receive reimbursement of the resale price minus notice/advertising costs and perpetual care trust contributions.

Applies criminal penalties under Section 41-43-53 to persons who knowingly terminate rights without providing required notice to an owner they knew or should have known; effective July 1, 2014.