MS HB287

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

Requires life insurers to promptly inform requesters of policy existence, named beneficiaries, outstanding liens or loans, benefit amounts payable, and whether the policy was reinstated within the last 24 months, and to provide a claim form.

Allows funeral service providers to refer unresponsive insurers to the Mississippi Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection as a consumer complaint if timely responses are not received.

Requires funeral service providers to make reasonable efforts within 100 hours to locate beneficiaries and provide them with all insurance information, along with a written notice stating beneficiaries have no legal obligation to use policy proceeds for funeral expenses or the deceased's debts.

Classifies making false information requests or failing to comply with beneficiary notification requirements as unprofessional conduct and grounds for loss of funeral service licensing; effective July 1, 2020.