MS HB1434

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

Requires life insurance companies to respond within two business days with information about policy existence, beneficiaries, outstanding liens or loans, benefit amounts, and whether the policy was reinstated within the last 24 months.

Mandates funeral directors make reasonable efforts within 100 hours to locate beneficiaries and provide them with all insurance information, along with written notice in bold that beneficiaries have no legal obligation to spend policy proceeds on funeral costs or debts.

Establishes that making false requests for insurance information or failing to comply with beneficiary notification requirements constitutes unprofessional conduct under existing funeral service licensing law and grounds for disciplinary action.

Takes effect July 1, 2023.