MS HB1231

Adults may execute a written declaration assigning a representative the right to direct disposition of their remains after death, arrange funeral services, and purchase related goods and services, superseding the statutory priority list of family members

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

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

Preneed contract holders may modify their contracts to change disposition method from burial to cremation or vice versa, with overpayments refunded and underpayments collectible at time of death

A person loses the right of disposition 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