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HCR 48

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION establishing the Cemeteries Across Kentucky Task Force.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Aull and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes the Cemeteries Across Kentucky Task Force to study cemetery governance, maintenance, accessibility, and related issues and report findings to the General Assembly.

to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
#cemeteriesandburials #legislativeresearchcommission #localgovernment #property #reportsmandated #taskforces #legislativebranch #veterans
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Bill Summary · HCR 48

Overview

HCR 48 (2026RS) is a concurrent resolution proposed in the Kentucky General Assembly that would establish the Cemeteries Across Kentucky Task Force. As a concurrent resolution, it, if adopted, reflects the sense of both chambers (House and Senate) and directs state agencies or legislators to take specific actions or study a policy area, rather than enacting statutory or regulatory changes.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a formal body—the Cemeteries Across Kentucky Task Force—to study and address issues related to cemeteries within Kentucky.
  • Provide a structured, ongoing mechanism to evaluate cemetery operations, standards, maintenance, accessibility, and related matters across the state.
  • Facilitate collaboration among state agencies, local governments, industry stakeholders, and the public to improve cemetery governance and services.

Key Provisions (as typically encompassed by such resolutions)

  • Establishment of the Task Force: Creation of a dedicated group tasked with examining cemetery-related policies, practices, and needs.
  • Membership and Representation: Specification of who serves on the Task Force (e.g., legislators, representatives from relevant state departments, cemetery associations, local government officials, and other stakeholders). The resolution would typically outline appointment methods and terms of service.
  • Scope of Work: Areas the Task Force will study, which may include:
    • Regulation and licensing of cemeteries and funeral service providers
    • Cemetery maintenance, record-keeping, and accessibility
    • Interments, memorial practices, and cultural considerations
    • Compliance with state laws and local ordinances
    • Financial aspects such as perpetual care funds and funding mechanisms
    • Public safety, health, and environmental concerns
  • Reporting Requirements: A mandate for the Task Force to report findings, recommendations, and potential legislation or administrative actions to the General Assembly by a specified date.
  • Duration: Timeline for the Task Force’s existence (e.g., sunset provision after delivering a final report) and whether it is temporary or ongoing.
  • Administrative Support: Provisions for staffing, funding, or resources necessary to operate the Task Force (often limited in concurrent resolutions, sometimes requiring separate funding bills).

Affected Parties

  • State government: Departments related to licensing, occupations, regulations, and potentially environmental health and public safety may engage with the Task Force.
  • Local governments: Counties and municipalities that oversee or interact with cemeteries and cemetery regulations.
  • Cemetery operators and associations: Funeral homes, cemetery owners, and professional associations would participate and be studied.
  • General public: Descendants, community members, and others with stake in cemetery management, access, and records.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral: HCR 48 was referred to the Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations Committee (Feb 4, 2026), indicating initial review by a committee focused on professional licensing and regulatory matters.
  • Introduction and First Action: Introduced in the House on Jan 30, 2026; subsequent committee referral suggests subsequent deliberation steps.
  • Committee Process: Likely to undergo hearings, stakeholder input, and possible amendments within the committee and, if advanced, consideration by the full House and Senate.
  • Reporting and Sunset: If the resolution includes a reporting deadline, the Task Force would need to deliver findings by that date; a potential sunset provision could terminate the Task Force after final recommendations or adoption of recommended actions.

Potential Impact

  • Policy framework: Establishes a statewide, collaborative mechanism to assess and improve cemetery-related governance and practices.
  • Inform decision-making: Provides data-driven recommendations that could lead to future legislation or administrative rules.
  • Stakeholder engagement: Encourages input from diverse groups, increasing transparency and alignment on cemetery issues.
  • Interim guidance: While nonbinding, the Task Force’s recommendations could influence current practices and standards pending formal legislative action.

Note: As a concurrent resolution, HCR 48 does not itself create new laws but signals legislative intent and initiates a formal study. Exact provisions, membership composition, and deadlines would be specified in the text of the bill and any amendments adopted during committee review.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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