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H 2359

An Act relative to timely issuance of death certificates to funeral directors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 1 co-sponsor

Requires death certificate issuers to deliver the original to a funeral director’s business within 24 hours of request, speeding burial-planning and reducing delays.

Accompanied a study order, see H5234
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Bill Summary · H 2359

Summary: H 2359 – An Act relative to timely issuance of death certificates to funeral directors

Overview

H 2359 seeks to change how quickly death certificates are issued to funeral directors or undertakers in Massachusetts. The bill would require issuers of death certificates to provide the original certificate to the funeral director’s or undertaker’s designated place of business within 24 hours of a request. It amends Chapter 112 of the General Laws by adding a new Section 45D.

  • Bill status: Reporting date extended to Thursday, October 9, 2025.
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025 (House Docket No. 3748).
  • Primary sponsor: Rep. James Arciero (Westford); also sponsored by Rep. James Dolan and Rep. Colleen M. Garry.
  • Related bill: Similar matter previously filed as House 2245 (2021-2022).

Key provisions

  • New requirement: Upon a request by a licensed funeral director or undertaker, issuers of death certificates must provide an original death certificate to the designated funeral director’s or undertaker’s place of business within 24 hours from the time of the request.
  • Legal mechanism: The requirement is added as Section 45D to Chapter 112 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2016 edition), inserted after Section 45C.
  • Scope of recipients: Applies to issuers of death certificates pursuant to Chapter 112.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Licensed funeral directors and undertakers who would receive the original death certificates directly and within a 24-hour window.
  • Issuers affected: Authorities or offices authorized under Chapter 112 to issue death certificates (e.g., local registries of vital records or equivalent issuers in Massachusetts).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative actions:
    • Referred to the Committee on Public Health on Feb 27, 2025.
    • Senate concurrence reported on Feb 27, 2025.
    • Hearing scheduled (as listed) for June 11, 2025, in room A-1 (09:00 AM–01:00 PM).
    • Reporting date extended to Oct 9, 2025.
  • Process note: The bill is in the Public Health committee phase with a defined hearing and a committee reporting timeline, reflecting an active consideration status.

Background and context

  • The measure aligns with efforts to streamline funeral arrangements and reduce delays in obtaining essential documentation after a death. It builds on prior similar proposals (House 2245, 2021-2022) and responds to the practical needs of funeral service providers.

Potential impact

  • Operational: Likely improves efficiency for funeral planners and families by ensuring timely access to official certificates.
  • Administrative: May require issuers to adjust intake and processing workflows to consistently meet the 24-hour requirement. No penalties or enforcement provisions are specified in the excerpt.

For readers seeking the exact statutory change, the bill would insert a new Section 45D into Chapter 112, mandating a 24-hour delivery of the original death certificate to the designated business location of the funeral director or undertaker.

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

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