The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 concerning the Alabama Board of Funeral Services, introducing several significant changes. Notably, it authorizes the board to impose an administrative fee of up to $30 on funeral establishments for each funeral arranged, effective June 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill increases various fees related to applications, renewals, and branch registrations, with the initial application fee rising from $198 to $500 and the renewal fee also capped at $500. Certificate holders are now required to file annual statements regarding their preneed activities, and the board can mandate further reports as necessary. The bill also establishes penalties for non-compliance, imposing fines of up to $50 per day for failing to file required statements.

Moreover, the bill introduces stricter regulations for preneed sales agents, requiring them to be registered with the board and to undergo a criminal history background check, with the application fee increased to $200 from a previous maximum of $33. It replaces the previous requirement for a single annual report by July 1 with a more flexible reporting schedule determined by the board. The bill also allows the board to create a publicly searchable statewide database of preneed contracts while ensuring privacy concerns are addressed. Certificate holders are held accountable for the actions of their affiliated sales agents and funeral directors, reinforcing compliance with the law. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-13-30, 34-13-191, 34-13-192, 34-13-199
Engrossed: 34-13-30, 34-13-191, 34-13-192, 34-13-199