Tennessee Senate Bill SB0715

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/25
• Engrossed: 3/10/25
• Enrolled: 3/20/25
• Passed: 4/3/25
• Chaptered: 4/8/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 46, relative to cemeteries.

Impact

The bill is anticipated to streamline administrative processes related to cemetery operations, particularly with regard to the renewal of registration certificates and management of pre-need sales contracts. It mandates that cemetery companies keep accurate records and maintain transparency concerning fees charged for services, thereby providing clearer guidelines and potentially reducing disputes over charges. Additionally, the establishment of a cemetery state administrative fund is expected to facilitate better funding for oversight and support of cemetery operations across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 715 (SB0715) primarily aims to amend various sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated related to cemeteries. The bill introduces modifications concerning the administration of cemeteries, particularly focusing on the management of interment rights and associated administrative fees. Among the amendments, one notable change includes provisions that allow cemetery owners to charge fees uniformly for the installation of commodities, ensuring equality regardless of the source.

Contention

While the bill appears to provide a more organized framework for cemetery operations, there are concerns among stakeholders about the potential implications for interment rights. The provisions regarding the abandonment of interment rights after a period of 75 years without contact with the owner might raise ethical considerations regarding the final resting places of individuals. Critics argue that such policies could devalue the sanctity of interments and may lead to distress among families or heirs who wish to maintain legacy interment rights.