SB440

This bill amends Arkansas law regarding the regulation of funeral establishments, embalmers, and funeral directors. It establishes stricter operational requirements for funeral establishments, including mandatory full-time management and proximity restrictions. The legislation expands the list of prohibited conduct for licensees, such as fraud, improper solicitation, and unauthorized funeral contract execution. It formalizes regulations for the storage and handling of human remains, specifically prohibiting the transport or storage of human remains with animal remains. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new regulatory framework for 'alkaline hydrolysis' facilities, a water-based dissolution process for human remains, treating these facilities similarly to crematories. It also updates the public notice and hearing procedures for the construction of crematoriums and mandates proof of liability insurance for their operation. Finally, the bill categorizes any violation of this chapter as a Class D felony.