Colorado lawmakers recently passed a bill aimed at overhauling the state’s oversight over funeral homes following a series of disturbing incidents, including the discovery of 190 decaying bodies, sold body parts, and fake ashes. These cases have deeply affected grieving families and ultimately led to the passage of the bill, which now awaits Democratic Gov. Jared Polis’ signature. The new law would grant regulators increased enforcement powers over funeral homes and mandate routine inspections of facilities even after they close.
In addition to the funeral home oversight bill, another piece of legislation was passed last week that would require funeral home directors and other industry professionals to undergo background checks, obtain a mortuary science degree, pass a national examination, and complete an apprenticeship. These new requirements aim to ensure that individuals working in the funeral industry meet specific qualifications and are held to high standards. The passage of these bills comes in response to alarming incidents, including the discovery of decomposing bodies at a bug-infested funeral home and a body left in the back of a hearse for over a year.
The 190 decaying bodies found at a Colorado funeral home’s facility prompted widespread outrage and raised concerns over the state’s lenient funeral home regulations. Colorado’s current regulations are among the weakest in the nation, with funeral home directors not required to have a high school diploma and routine inspections lacking. The new legislation represents a significant update to the state’s regulations, aligning Colorado with the standards set by many other states and bringing it in line with industry best practices.
The cases of sold body parts, fake ashes, and decaying bodies have highlighted the need for stricter oversight and regulations within the funeral industry in Colorado. The proposed bills aim to address deficiencies in the state’s current regulatory framework and enhance accountability among funeral home operators and professionals. By requiring background checks, education, examinations, and apprenticeships, the legislation seeks to establish a more rigorous system for monitoring and ensuring the integrity of funeral homes in the state.
The owners of the funeral home where 190 decaying bodies were discovered have been arrested and face numerous charges, including abuse of a corpse. These cases have brought attention to the lack of oversight and enforcement mechanisms in Colorado’s funeral industry, leading to calls for more stringent regulations. The new legislation, if signed into law, will provide regulators with greater enforcement powers and empower them to conduct routine inspections of funeral homes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The passage of the funeral home oversight bill and related legislation represents a significant step toward enhancing the integrity and accountability of funeral homes in Colorado. By establishing stricter requirements for industry professionals and granting regulators greater enforcement powers, the state aims to prevent future incidents of abuse, negligence, and exploitation within the funeral industry. The new regulations will bring Colorado in line with national standards and best practices, ensuring that grieving families can trust that their loved ones are treated with dignity and respect.
