Legislation was introduced this week in the Kansas Legislature, and one of the bill’s changes seeks to clarify how cemetery care fund requirements can be computed. We have found this a source of confusion for cemeteries and regulators in many states. Depending upon the type of interment right purchased, the care fund requirement is often
requirements
Missouri’s New Reporting Requirements: work in progress
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Missouri - SB1, Preneed
On September 9th, Missouri’s State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors conducted its first public meeting since forwarding new (and extensive) reporting requirements to preneed funeral sellers and providers. In no mood to entertain complaints from the industry, the Board advised licensees to “do their best”. In response to criticism of the new trust reporting…
Taking comfort from the local banker
By Bill Stalter on
Within the past few years, state legislatures have significantly expanded the fiduciary duties of banks and trust companies that service death care trusts. Michigan, Indiana and Tennessee responded to cemetery trust frauds (including the Clayton Smart affair). The trend continued in Missouri and Illinois with laws aimed at funeral trusts (in response to NPS and…
Illinois’ Cemeteries and SB 1682
By Bill Stalter on
Posted in Cemeteries
NPS’ sister corporation, Forever Illinois, used the Illinois self trusting provisions to administer preneed funds. As with funeral operators, Senate Bill 1682 will force Illinois cemeteries to seek corporate fiduciaries to administer their preneed and endowed care funds.