SB94 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Cam Ward
Republican
Co-Sponsor: George M. “Marc” Keahey
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Funeral Service, Board of, substantially revised relating to board and operation of funeral establishments and mortuary service, application, renewal, and inspection fees increased, fines for violations increased, Secs. 34-13-1, 34-13-7, 34-13-9, 34-13-11, 34-13-12, 34-13-20, 34-13-22, 34-13-23, 34-13-26, 34-13-50, 34-13-51, 34-13-52, 34-13-53, 34-13-55, 34-13-56, 34-13-70, 34-13-72, 34-13-73, 34-13-74, 34-13-90, 34-13-94, 34-13-111, 34-13-113, 34-13-114, 34-13-115, 34-13-116, 34-13-120, 34-13-130 am'd.; Secs. 34-13-28, 34-13-150, 34-13-151, 34-13-152 repealed (2011-20128)
Summary: SB94 overhauls the Alabama Board of Funeral Service by updating definitions, boosting fees, expanding licensing and inspection requirements, and strengthening consumer protections in funeral services and related activities.
What This Bill Does
It clarifies what counts as a mortuary service and sets specific facility contents and space requirements for funeral establishments and mortuary services. It raises fines for operating without a license, requires funeral service pricing to follow FTC rules, and tightens rules around preneed contracts and disposition agents. It expands board powers and duties, including allowing exam administration by the board, increasing per diem days for members, and strengthening complaint hearings, license display, renewals, and inspections; it also broadens licensure education requirements, increases various fees, and adds prohibitions and repeals related to older provisions.

Who It Affects
Licensed funeral service professionals (funeral directors, embalmers, operators, and funeral establishments) who face higher application, examination, renewal, and inspection fees; new licensure and education requirements; and expanded board governance and disciplinary processes.
Consumers and the public (families and patients) who are affected by price rules conforming to FTC standards, more transparent licensure display, revised preneed and disposition rules, and heightened oversight of crematories and funeral service operations.

Key Provisions
Defines mortuary service and specifies contents and square footage requirements for funeral establishments and mortuary service facilities.
Increases the maximum fines for operating a funeral establishment or directing funeral services without a license; expands grounds for disciplinary action and fines for violations.
Requires funeral service, cemetery service, and funeral merchandise pricing to conform to FTC rules.
Clarifies who may enter into preneed contracts and tightens liability when depend on an authorized agent for disposition.
Expands board governance: increases per diem days for board members, allows delegation of license examinations, and enhances diversity requirements for board membership.
Increases many fees (application, examination, renewal, reinstatement) for funeral directors, embalmers, operators, and funeral establishments; increases inspection, reinspection, and branch/location fees.
Requires public display of licenses, expands licensure and examination requirements (including education from approved schools), and provides for temporary special work permits and reciprocal licenses.
Strengthens complaint and disciplinary procedures, including hearings, penalties, and use of administrative fines for violations.
Adds requirements for licensure inspections prior to operation, and imposes name-change fees for funeral establishments and mortuary services.
Prohibits cremating deceased animals at crematories operated by funeral establishments and repeals outdated or donor-eye related provisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Funeral Service, Board of