MS HB1015

Adults of sound mind may execute a written declaration assigning a representative the right to direct disposition of their remains after death, arrange and purchase funeral goods/services, and make burial or cremation arrangements

When multiple family members of the same priority class disagree on disposition of a decedent's body, funeral directors must follow the directive of the majority of class members who can be located with reasonable effort

Crematories and funeral establishments may dispose of unclaimed cremated remains after 120 days (reduced from 12 months) by scattering or burial, eliminating the previous requirement for certified mail notification to next of kin

Preneed contract holders may modify their contracts to change from burial to cremation or vice versa, with overpayments refunded and additional costs either covered by a new preneed contract or paid at time of death

Representatives are disqualified from exercising disposition rights if they die, are declared incompetent, resign, refuse to act within 2 days of notification, or cannot be located within 2 days after reasonable efforts