MS HB1303

Creates a new requirement for perpetual care cemetery owners to reasonably maintain cemetery premises and prevent neglect, including prompt trash removal, vegetation control, and regular landscaping.

Makes this maintenance requirement a contractual duty of the cemetery owner enforceable by the Secretary of State.

Requires the Secretary of State to provide cemetery owners with a written plan of correction and remediation within 14 days if an examiner finds the premises neglected or not reasonably maintained.

Establishes that failure to comply with the correction plan within 45 days constitutes a violation punishable by a fine of $1,000 to $25,000, suspension or revocation of cemetery registration, or both.

Takes effect July 1, 2020.