Funeral directors back clarifications to preneed contracts and cremation authorizations

Mike Shedinger, testifying for the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, told the House General Government Committee that House Bill 582 would modernize funeral-related statutes by clarifying language about preneed funeral agreements, travel protection plans and cremation authorization procedures.

Shedinger said travel protection plans should remain optional and separate from preneed contracts and that clarifying the language will improve transparency for families. He also described supporting the removal of a mandatory witness signature for cremation authorizations to reflect electronic execution and remote arrangements, saying the legal authorizing agent and next of kin requirements remain in place.

Members raised concerns about protections for vulnerable and elderly residents who prepay preneed contracts and whether separating travel protections could leave consumers with less oversight. Shedinger explained preneed contracts can be structured as either guaranteed price contracts or as a funded savings arrangement and distinguished that travel protection is an optional add-on used when a decedent dies far from home.

The committee took no vote at the hearing and heard multiple questions about licensing, consumer protections and the effect on small and large funeral homes.