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SB 1064

Cemeteries and funerals: other; funeral establishments to have refrigeration units in certain circumstances; require. Amends sec. 1809 of 1980 PA 299 (MCL 339.1809). TIE BAR WITH: SB 1060'26, SB 1061'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hertel and 2 co-sponsors

SB 1064 requires funeral establishments to be led by a licensed mortuary professional, with strict limits on multi-location management, facility standards, and 40°F body refrigerat

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Bill Summary · SB 1064

Summary of SB 1064 (Michigan, 2025-2026)

Main purpose

SB 1064 proposes amendments to the Funeral Establishments provisions of the Michigan Occupational Code (1980 PA 299), specifically updating requirements for management, operations, and facilities of funeral establishments. The bill ties its enactment to the passage of SB 1060 and SB 1061. Its central aim is to regulate managerial qualifications, waivers for multiple-location management, facility standards, and refrigeration/storage requirements for deceased individuals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Management and licensing (Sec. 1809(1))

    • A funeral establishment must be managed by a person who holds a mortuary science license.
    • The manager’s name must be written to the department and conspicuously displayed at the establishment entrance.
    • A manager may not reside more than 75 miles from the establishment.
    • Generally, an individual may not manage more than one funeral establishment.
    • If a new manager is appointed, the department must be notified within 30 days.

  • Waivers for multi-establishment management (Sec. 1809(2))

    • Managers may request waivers to oversee two establishments under certain conditions.
    • Waiver criteria include:
    • Both establishments are in the same county or neighboring counties.
    • County population density is lower than statewide density (based on decennial census data).
    • The two establishments are within 90 miles of each other.
    • If a waiver is denied, the applicant may appeal to the board.

  • License revocation implications (Sec. 1809(3))

    • Individuals whose license is revoked cannot own or manage a funeral establishment (directly or indirectly), with a limited exception allowing leasing of premises where the individual does not participate in control or profits beyond fixed rent.

  • Branch establishment (Sec. 1809(4))

    • Branches must be managed by a licensed mortuary science professional.

  • Inspections (Sec. 1809(5))

    • The department and board may inspect locations where funeral directing, embalming, or mortuary practice occurs or where licensure is sought.

  • Facility requirements (Sec. 1809(6))

    • Funeral establishments must have:
    • A prepared room with appropriate flooring, drainage, and ventilation.
    • Necessary instruments and supplies for preparation and embalming.
    • A refrigeration unit, with capacity to store all bodies on premises, subject to certain exceptions.
    • Exceptions to refrigeration requirements include:
    • Contracts with another facility within 50 miles that can house bodies at or below 40°F, with sufficient capacity.
    • Ownership/operation of a cemetery or crematory within 50 miles that has an appropriate refrigeration unit, with transport and storage to that facility at or below 40°F.

  • Post-arrival handling (Sec. 1809(7))

    • Within 24 hours of a body arriving, the establishment must either embalm the body or store it in a refrigeration unit at 40°F or below.

  • Branch establishment applicability (Sec. 1809(8))

    • Branches are subject to the same requirements as main funeral establishments.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed mortuary professionals and funeral establishments operating in Michigan.
  • Managers of funeral establishments (and potential waivers for multi-location management).
  • Funeral establishments within 50 miles of cemeteries, crematories, or other facilities with refrigeration capabilities.
  • Entities seeking to operate multiple funeral establishments or branches.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Waiver requests must include specific identifying and supporting information and must meet defined geographic and demographic criteria.
  • Denials of waivers trigger a right to appeal to the board under existing procedures (Section 515).
  • The enacted changes are contingent on the passage of SB 1060 and SB 1061, as indicated in the enacting section.

Note

This summary reflects the substantive provisions as drafted in SB 1064 and presents potential regulatory impacts on management structure, facility standards, and body storage practices for funeral establishments in Michigan.

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

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