MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Judiciary, Division B

By: Senator(s) Thomas

Senate Bill 2443

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT ANY PERSON ENGAGING IN THE BUSINESS OF FUNERAL SERVICE FROM BURYING THE DECEASED BY PLACING THE BODY DIRECTLY IN THE GROUND WITHOUT A CASKET OR CONTAINER; TO PROVIDE CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREFOR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  It shall be unlawful for any person engaging in the business or practice of funeral service, including embalming and/or funeral directing, to bury the deceased by placing the body directly in the ground without a casket or container.  Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00) per violation.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.