The proposed bill, known as the "Pet Cemetery Regulation Act," aims to establish comprehensive regulations for pet cemeteries in Michigan, including the sale of related merchandise and services. Key definitions are introduced, such as "columbarium," "communal burial," "individual burial," and "endowed care fund," which clarify the various aspects of pet burial and cremation services. The bill mandates that pet cemetery operators create an endowed care fund, requiring at least 15% of the sale price of burial rights to be allocated for ongoing maintenance and care of the cemetery. Additionally, it stipulates that pet cemetery operators must keep accurate records of burial agreements and preneed arrangements, and they must disclose disposal options to pet owners.
The legislation also includes provisions for the establishment and operation of pet cemeteries, such as requiring a minimum size of three acres for new cemeteries and the necessity of filing a dedication for land used as a pet cemetery. It outlines penalties for non-compliance, including potential misdemeanor charges for violations of the act. Furthermore, the bill allows for the reclamation of burial plots if fees remain unpaid for 180 days, and it provides guidelines for the removal of land dedications under certain conditions. Overall, the bill seeks to ensure the ethical treatment of pets after death and the proper management of pet cemeteries.