Mississippi House Bill HB1300

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Perpetual care cemeteries; require certain acreage and trust fund deposit to establish new.

Impact

The bill modifies Section 41-43-33 of the Mississippi Code, enforcing that any new perpetual care cemetery must adhere to the specified minimum land sizes depending on the demographics of the area. Additionally, it revises Section 41-43-37 to increase the initial deposit required for a perpetual care trust fund from $25,000 to $50,000. This amendment is intended to bolster the financial stability of cemeteries and provide a more reliable source of funds for ongoing care and maintenance.

Summary

House Bill 1300 aims to amend specific provisions related to the establishment and operation of perpetual care cemeteries in Mississippi. The bill establishes new requirements for cemeteries organized after July 1, 2022, including minimum acreage standards based on county population. For instance, in counties with populations over 140,000, new cemeteries must be at least 40 acres, while those in smaller counties have different acreage requirements. This legislative effort looks to ensure that new perpetual care cemeteries maintain sufficient space and resources for future burials and care.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1300 include concerns raised by existing cemetery operators regarding the feasibility of meeting such acreage requirements, particularly in densely populated urban areas. There may also be implications for land use and zoning laws as communities consider how to allocate land for cemeteries. Additionally, the increase in financial requirements could pose challenges for smaller cemetery operators who may struggle to meet these enhanced financial obligations.