MS HB1301

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 respond within two business days with details on policy existence, named beneficiaries, outstanding liens or loans, benefit amounts payable, and whether the policy was reinstated in the last 24 months.

Allows requesters to file a consumer complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection if the insurer fails to respond within two business days after providing all required information.

Requires funeral service providers to make reasonable efforts within 100 hours to locate non-estate beneficiaries and provide them with all insurance information, along with written notice in bold print stating beneficiaries have no legal obligation to spend policy proceeds on funeral costs or the deceased's debts.

Classifies making false requests or failing to notify beneficiaries as unprofessional conduct and grounds for finding a funeral director or licensee unfit to practice; effective July 1, 2022.