MS HB617

Authorizes licensed funeral directors and funeral establishment employees to request life insurance information for deceased persons by providing a death notification, written authorization from the person directing disposition, and group affiliation details if applicable

Requires insurers to promptly inform requesters of policy existence, beneficiaries on record, outstanding liens or loans, benefit amounts payable, policy reinstatement status within 24 months, and provide claim forms

Allows referral to the Office of Consumer Protection if an insurer fails to respond timely to a properly documented request, treating the referral as a consumer complaint

Requires funeral service providers to make reasonable efforts within 100 hours to locate beneficiaries and provide them with all insurance information obtained, including written notice in bold print that beneficiaries have no legal obligation to spend benefits on funeral costs or deceased's debts

Classifies false requests for information or failure to notify beneficiaries as unprofessional conduct and grounds for finding a funeral director unfit to practice