MS HB914

Requires new perpetual care cemeteries organized on or after July 1, 2024, to meet minimum acreage requirements based on county population: 40 acres for counties with over 140,000 population, 30 acres for counties with 75,000-140,000 population, and 20 acres for counties with under 75,000 population.

Increases the initial deposit required for new cemeteries organized on or after July 1, 2024, from $25,000 to $50,000 into an irrevocable perpetual care trust fund before disposing of burial lots or making first burial.

Provides that once a cemetery subject to the $50,000 requirement accumulates $100,000 in the perpetual care fund, the trustee shall return the initial $50,000 deposit to the cemetery.

Maintains existing requirements for cemeteries organized between July 1, 2009, and July 1, 2024, which require a $25,000 initial deposit with $25,000 returned once the fund reaches $50,000.

Effective date is July 1, 2024.