Pet Cremation and Burial Services - Requirements (Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act)

EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MATTER ADDED TO EXISTING LAW.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
amendment.
Italics indicate opposite chamber/conference committee amendments.
*hb0564*

HOUSE BILL 564
C2 (6lr1628)
ENROLLED BILL
— Health/Finance —
Introduced by Delegates Allen, Behler, Bhandari, Cardin, Chang, Ebersole, Embry,
Fair, Forbes, Guyton, Guzzone, D. Jones, Kaufman, Ross, Ruth, and
Woorman Woorman, Alston, Bagnall, Cullison, Hill, Hutchinson,
S. Johnson, Kipke, Lopez, Martinez, Reilly, Rosenberg, Tavera s, and
White Holland

Read and Examined by Proofreaders:

_______________________________________________
Proofreader.
_______________________________________________
Proofreader.

Sealed with the Great Seal and presented to the Governor, for his approva l this

_______ day of _______________ at ________________________ o’clock, ________M.

______________________________________________
Speaker.

CHAPTER ______

AN ACT concerning 1

Business Regulation – Pet Cremation and Burial Services – Requirements 2
(Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act) 3

FOR the purpose of establishing certain consumer protection requirements for registered 4
cemeterians, registered cemetery operators, or and certain permit holders and 5
licensees that sell or offer for sale pet cremation services of pet remains; establishing 6
the duties of certain persons responsible for returning pet cremains to certain animal 7
owners after cremation; and generally relating to the cremation of pet remains. 8

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 9
Article – Business Regulation 10
2 HOUSE BILL 564

Section 5–101(a), (f) through (i), and (s) 1
Annotated Code of Maryland 2
(2024 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 3

BY repealing 4
Article – Business Regulation 5
Section 5–101(t) 6
Annotated Code of Maryland 7
(2024 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 8

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 9
Article – Business Regulation 10
Section 5–101(u) through (dd) and 5–804 11
Annotated Code of Maryland 12
(2024 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 13

BY adding to 14
Article – Business Regulation 15
Section 5 –7A–01 through 5 –7A–05, 5 –7A–07, and 5 –7A–08 to be under the new 16
subtitle “Subtitle 7A. Pet Cremation and Burial Services” 17
Annotated Code of Maryland 18
(2024 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 19

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 20
Article – Commercial Law 21
Section 13–301(14)(xlvii) and (xlviii) 22
Annotated Code of Maryland 23
(2025 Replacement Volume) 24

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 25
Article – Commercial Law 26
Section 13–301(14)(xlviii) 27
Annotated Code of Maryland 28
(2025 Replacement Volume) 29

BY adding to 30
Article – Commercial Law 31
Section 13–301(14)(xlix) and (xlx) 32
Annotated Code of Maryland 33
(2025 Replacement Volume) 34

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, 35
Article – Health Occupations 36
Section 7–101(a), (d), (m), and (r) 37
Annotated Code of Maryland 38
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 39

HOUSE BILL 564 3

BY adding to 1
Article – Health Occupations 2
Section 7–4B–01 through 7 –4B–07 to be under the new subtitl e “Subtitle 4B. Pet 3
Cremation” 4
Annotated Code of Maryland 5
(2021 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) 6

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 7
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 8

Article – Business Regulation 9

5–101. 10

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 11

(f) (1) “Cemetery” means land used or to be used for interment. 12

(2) “Cemetery” includes a structure used or to be used for interment. 13

(g) “Cremation” means the disposition of a dead human body by means of 14
incineration. 15

(h) “Crematory” means a building, portion of a building, or structure that houses 16
the necessary appliances and facilities for cremation or alkaline hydrolysis. 17

(i) “Director” means the Director of the Office of Cemetery Oversight. 18

(s) “Permit” means a permit issued by the Director to allow a partnership, limited 19
liability company, or corporation to operate a business through which a registrant may: 20

(1) engage in the operation of a cemetery or crematory; or 21

(2) provide burial goods. 22

[(t) (1) “Pet remains” means the body of a deceased animal that was kept as a 23
pet. 24

(2) “Pet remains” includes the body of a pet or a part of a pet’s body in any 25
state of decomposition or the body of a pet after having been cremated.] 26

[(u)] (T) (1) “Preneed goods” means burial goods that are sold before the 27
buyer’s death. 28

(2) “Preneed goods” does not include burial space. 29

4 HOUSE BILL 564

[(v)] (U) “Provide burial goods” means a retail transaction: 1

(1) to erect, service, or inscribe burial memorials; or 2

(2) to sell burial goods. 3

[(w)] (V) “Reduction facility” means a building, portion of a building, or structure 4
that houses the necessary appliances, containers, and facilities for performing natural 5
organic reduction. 6

[(x)] (W) “Registered cemeterian” means an individual registered to operate a 7
cemetery as a sole proprietor or on behalf of a sole proprietor or of a permit holder. 8

[(y)] (X) “Registered crematory operator” means an individual registered to 9
operate a crematory as a sole proprietor or on behalf of a sole proprietor or permit holder. 10

[(z)] (Y) “Registered reduction operator” means an individual registered to 11
operate a reduction facility as a sole proprietor or on behalf of a sole proprietor or a permit 12
holder. 13

[(aa)] (Z) “Registered seller” means an individual registered to provide burial 14
goods as a sole proprietor or on behalf of a sole proprietor or of a permit holder. 15

[(bb)] (AA) “Registration” means a registration issued by the Director authorizing 16
an individual to operate a cemetery, to operate a crematory, to operate a reduction facility, 17
or to provide burial goods. 18

[(cc)] (BB) “Responsible party” means a sole proprietor or the individual 19
designated by a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation to be responsible for 20
the operations of a cemetery, crematory, reduction facility, or burial goods business. 21

[(dd)] (CC) “Soil remains” means the soil produced at final disposition of a dead 22
human body at a reduction facility by completion of natural organic reduction. 23

SUBTITLE 7A. PET CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES. 24

5–7A–01. 25

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 26
INDICATED. 27

(B) “PET” MEANS A DOMESTICATED OR TAMED ANIMAL KEPT AS A 28
COMPANION OR FOR PLEASURE. 29

HOUSE BILL 564 5

(C) “PET CREMAINS” MEANS THE BODY FRAGM ENTS OF A PET AFTER 1
HAVING BEEN CREMATED. 2

(D) (1) “PET REMAINS” MEANS THE BODY OF A DECEASED ANIMAL THAT 3
WAS KEPT AS A PET. 4

(2) “PET REMAINS” INCLUDES THE BODY OF A PET OR A PART OF A 5
PET’S BODY IN ANY STATE OF DECOMPOSITION OR THE PET CREMAINS. 6

5–7A–02. 7

THIS SUBTITLE APPLIES ONLY TO A REGISTERED CEMETERIAN, REGISTERED 8
CEMETERY OPERATOR, OR PERMIT HOLDER THAT ENGAGES IN THE OPERATION OF 9
A CEMETERY, CREMATORY, OR BURIAL GOODS BUSINESS THAT SELLS OR OFFERS TO 10
SELL TO THE PUBLIC CREMATION SERVICES FOR PET REMAINS OR A BURIAL LOT OR 11
A BURIAL RIGHT IN A CEMETERY FOR PET REMAINS. 12

5–7A–03. 13

(A) EACH REGISTRANT OR PERMIT HOLDER SHALL DISTRIBUTE A WRITTEN 14
DESCRIPTION OF AVAIL ABLE PET CREMATION S ERVICES TO THE FOLLO WING 15
PERSONS: 16

(1) EACH OWNER OF A DECE ASED PET OR THE AGEN T OF AN OWNER 17
OF A DECEASED PET WHO ARRANGES FOR PET CREMATION SERVICES; 18

(2) EACH VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, OR OTHER 19
PERSON WHO REFERS PE T OWNERS OR DELIVERS DECEASED PETS TO THE 20
REGISTRANT OR PERMIT HOLDER MORE THAN FIVE TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR; 21

(3) THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND 22

(4) ON REQUEST, ANY OTHER PERSON. 23

(B) (1) THE DESCRIPTION OF PE T CREMATION SERVICES REQUIRED 24
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUDE A DETAILED AND CLEAR 25
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVICE OFFERED BY THE REGISTRANT OR 26
PERMIT HOLDER , INCLUDING THE FOLLOW ING DESCRIPTIONS OF CREMATION 27
SERVICES, IF OFFERED: 28

(I) PRIVATE CREMATION MEANS THE CREMATION OF A SINGLE 29
PET IN A CLEAN, EMPTY CHAMBER , AFTER WHICH THE PET CREMAINS ARE 30
RETURNED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE OWNER OF THE PET; 31
6 HOUSE BILL 564

(II) INDIVIDUAL–PARTITIONED CREMATIO N MEANS THE 1
CREMATION OF MULTIPLE PETS IN THE SAME CHAMBER USING PHYSICAL BARRIERS 2
OR DESIGNATED SPACES TO MAINTAIN SEPARATION, AFTER WHICH THE PET 3
CREMAINS ARE RETURNED TO EACH OWNER; AND 4

(III) COMMUNAL CREMATION M EANS THE CREMATION O F 5
MULTIPLE PETS SIMULT ANEOUSLY IN A SINGLE CHAMBER WITHOUT SEPA RATION 6
AND WITHOUT THE RETURN OF PET CREMAINS TO AN OWNER. 7

(2) IN THE DESCRIPTION OF P ET CREMATION SERVICE S REQUIRED 8
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, A REGISTRANT OR PERMIT HOLDER MAY 9
NOT: 10

(I) FAIL TO INCLUDE A CO MPLETE AND ACCURATE 11
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVICE; 12

(II) OMIT A REQUIRED DISCLOSURE UNDER THIS SECTION; OR 13

(III) INCLUDE TEXT , ILLUSTRATIONS, A LAYOUT , OR 14
FORMATTING THAT CAUS ES CONFUSION ABOUT T HE NATURE OF THE PET 15
CREMATION SERVICE OR OBSTRUCTS ACCURATE DISCLOSURE. 16

(3) EACH REGISTRANT OR PE RMIT HOLDER SHALL MA KE WRITTEN 17
COPIES OF THE DESCRIPTION OF P ET CREMATION SERVICE S UNDER SUBSECTION 18
(A) OF THIS SECTION: 19

(I) AVAILABLE IN QUANTITIES SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW FOR THE 20
DISTRIBUTION TO PET OWNERS WHO MAY BE RE FERRED TO OR SERVED BY THE 21
REGISTRANT OR PERMIT HOLDER; AND 22

(II) AVAILABLE AT NO COST. 23

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP , REGISTRANT, PERMIT HOLDER, OR ANY 24
OTHER PERSON WHO REF ERS PET OWNERS OR AC CEPTS DECEASED PETS FOR 25
CREMATION MORE THAN FIVE TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR SHALL PROVIDE A COPY 26
OF THE DESCRIPTION O F PET CREMATION SERV ICES DESCRIBED UNDER 27
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION TO T HE PET OWNER AT THE TIME OF REFERRAL 28
OR ACCEPTANCE OF THE DECEASED PET. 29

5–7A–04. 30

HOUSE BILL 564 7

(A) IF PET CREMATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY A REGISTRANT OR PERMIT 1
HOLDER INCLUDE THE R ETURN OF PET CREMAIN S, THE REGISTRANT OR PERMIT 2
HOLDER SHALL PROVIDE A WRITTEN CERTIFICAT E WITH THE RETURNED PET 3
CREMAINS THAT INCLUDES: 4

(1) THE DATE THE CREMATION WAS COMPLETED; 5

(2) A STATEMENT THAT , TO THE BEST OF THE R EGISTRANT’S OR 6
PERMIT HOLDER ’S KNOWLEDGE AND BELI EF, THE CREMATION AND RELATE D 7
SERVICES WERE PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGISTRANT’S OR PERMIT 8
HOLDER’S WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON 9
THE CERTIFICATE; 10

(3) A STATEMENT THAT THE CREMATION WAS CONDUC TED IN 11
ACCORDANCE WITH PREVAILING INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES AND 12
IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS; AND 13

(4) THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: “THE POSTED DISCLOSURE OF PET 14
CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IS A SUMMARY 15
OF MARYLAND LAW. THE FULL PROVISIONS OF THE LAW ARE SET FORTH IN THE PET 16
CREMATION AND BURIAL SERVICES CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT IN TITLE 5, 17
SUBTITLE 7A OF THE BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND 18
ANNOTATED CODE.”. 19

(B) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP , OR OTHER PERSON RESP ONSIBLE FOR 20
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER SHALL PROVIDE TO THE PET OWNER: 21

(1) A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE PROVIDED BY THE REGISTRANT OR 22
PERMIT HOLDER UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION; AND 23

(2) AN ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATE THAT STATES, TO THE BEST OF THE 24
PERSON’S KNOWLEDGE AND BELI EF, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERW ISE INDICATED ON 25
THE CERTIFICATE, THE RETURNED PET CREMAINS: 26

(I) ARE THOSE OF THE PET OWNER’S DECEASED PET; AND 27

(II) HAVE BEEN RETURNED I N ACCORDANCE WITH TH E 28
REGISTRANT’S OR PERMIT HOLDER’S REPRESENTATIONS TO THE PET OWNER. 29

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP , OR OTHER PERSON RESP ONSIBLE FOR 30
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER: 31

8 HOUSE BILL 564

(1) MAY RELY IN GOOD FAI TH ON THE CERTIFICAT E PROVIDED AND 1
REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY A REGISTRANT OR P ERMIT HOLDER PROVIDING PET 2
CREMATION SERVICES I N ACCORDANCE WITH TH E REQUIREMENTS OF TH IS 3
SECTION; AND 4

(2) IS NOT REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE CREMATION PROCESS. 5

5–7A–05. 6

(A) EACH REGISTRANT OR PE RMIT HOLDER PROVIDIN G PET CREMATION 7
SERVICES SHALL POST A COPY OF THIS SUBTITLE AND A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF 8
THE PET CREMATION SERVICES BEING OFFERED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE 9
PLACE OF BUSINESS. 10

(B) EACH REGISTRANT OR PE RMIT HOLDER THAT PRO VIDES PET 11
CREMATION SERVICES SHALL ENSURE THAT A HOLDING FACILITY USED TO RETAIN 12
PET REMAINS BEFORE CREMATION: 13

(1) PROTECTS THE HEALTH OF ALL INDIVIDUALS R ESPONSIBLE FOR 14
HANDLING PET REMAINS; 15

(2) PRESERVES THE DIGNITY OF THE PET REMAINS; AND 16

(3) COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS. 17

(C) (1) EACH REGISTRANT OR PE RMIT HOLDER THAT PROVI DES PET 18
CREMATION SERVICES SHALL MAINTAIN COMPLETE AND ACCURATE RECORDS FOR 19
EACH PET CREMATION COMPLETED. 20

(2) EACH REGISTRANT AND P ERMIT HOLDER SHALL R ETAIN THE 21
FOLLOWING RECORDS FOR A PERIOD OF AT LEAST 5 YEARS: 22

(I) EACH AUTHORI ZATION FOR PET CREMA TION SIGNED BY 23
THE PET OWNER OR PET OWNER’S AGENT; 24

(II) EACH IDENTIFICATION RECORD, INCLUDING TAGS, LABELS, 25
OR TRACKING DOCUMENTATION USED TO IDENTIFY PET CREMAINS; AND 26

(III) A LOGBOOK FOR EACH P ET CREMATION COMPLETED THAT 27
SPECIFIES: 28

1. THE DATE OF CREMATION; 29

HOUSE BILL 564 9

2. THE METHOD OF CREMATION, AND 1

3. THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PERFORMED THE 2
CREMATION. 3

(3) EACH REGISTRANT OR PE RMIT HOLDER SHALL ES TABLISH AND 4
MAINTAIN REASONABLE PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE CONFIDENTIALI TY AND 5
SECURITY OF ALL RECORDS, INCLUDING PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION 6
RELATED TO A PET OWNER OR CREMATED PET. 7

[5–804.] 5–7A–06. 8

(a) In this section, “perpetual care” has the meaning stated in § 5–601 of this title. 9

(b) A registered cemeterian, registered crematory operator, or permit holder that 10
engages in the operation of a cemetery, crematory, or burial goods business who sells or 11
offers to sell to the public cremation services, a burial lot, or a burial right in a cemetery 12
for pet remains as to which perpetual care is stated or implied owes a duty of perpetual 13
care for the cemetery in which the pet remains are interred. 14

(c) The Director shall adopt regulations in accordance with § 5–204(a) of this title 15
to enforce the requirements of this section. 16

5–7A–07. 17

(A) A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS SUBTITLE IS GUI LTY OF A 18
MISDEMEANOR AND, ON CONVICTION, IS SUBJECT TO: 19

(1) FOR A FIRST VIOLATIO N, A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $5,000 OR 20
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 1 YEAR OR BOTH; 21

(2) FOR A SECOND VIOLATI ON, A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $10,000 OR 22
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 2 YEARS OR BOTH; AND 23

(3) FOR A THIRD OR SUBSE QUENT VIOLATION , A FINE NOT 24
EXCEEDING $15,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 3 YEARS OR BOTH. 25

(B) (1) IF THE DIRECTOR FINDS THAT A PERSON HAS VIOLAT ED THIS 26
SUBTITLE OR A REGULATION ADOPTED UNDER THIS SUBTITLE, THE DIRECTOR MAY 27
REFER THE MATTER TO: 28

(I) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR CIVIL ENFORCEMENT; OR 29

10 HOUSE BILL 564

(II) THE APPROPRIATE STATE’S ATTORNEY FOR CRIMINAL 1
PROSECUTION. 2

(2) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY S UE FOR AND A COURT M AY 3
GRANT: 4

(I) INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF; 5

(II) IMPOSITION OF A CIVI L PENALTY NOT EXCEED ING $5,000; 6
OR 7

(III) BOTH. 8

5–7A–08. 9

THIS SUBTITLE AND TITLE 7, SUBTITLE 4B OF THE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS 10
ARTICLE MAY BE CITED AS THE “MARYLAND MARYLAND PET CREMATION AND 11
BURIAL SERVICES CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT” ACT. 12

Article – Commercial Law 13

13–301. 14

Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices include any: 15

(14) Violation of a provision of: 16

(xlvii) Title 14, Subtitle 50 of this article; [or] 17

(xlviii) Section 13–411.1(c)(2) of the Transportation Article; or 18

(XLIX) TITLE 5, SUBTITLE 7A OF THE BUSINESS 19
REGULATION ARTICLE; OR 20

(XLX) TITLE 7, SUBTITLE 4B OF THE HEALTH OCCUPATIONS 21
ARTICLE; OR 22

Article – Health Occupations 23

7–101. 24

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 25

(d) “Board” means the State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. 26

HOUSE BILL 564 11

(m) (1) “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued 1
by the Board. 2

(2) “License” includes, unless otherwise indicated: 3

(i) A mortician license; 4

(ii) An apprentice license; 5

(iii) A funeral director license; 6

(iv) A surviving spouse license; 7

(v) A corporation license; 8

(vi) A funeral establishment license; and 9

(vii) A courtesy card. 10

(r) “Licensee” means an individual or entity licensed by the Board to practice 11
mortuary science to the extent determined by the Board. 12

SUBTITLE 4B. PET CREMATION. 13

7–4B–01. 14

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 15
INDICATED. 16

(B) “PET” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 5–7A–01 OF THE BUSINESS 17
REGULATION ARTICLE. 18

(C) “PET CREMAINS ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 5–7A–01 OF THE 19
BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE. 20

(D) “PET REMAINS ” HAS THE MEANIN G STATED IN § 5–7A–01 OF THE 21
BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE. 22

7–4B–02. 23

THIS SUBTITLE APPLIES ONLY TO A LICENSEE T HAT ENGAGES IN THE 24
OPERATION OF A CREMA TORY THAT SELLS OR O FFERS TO SELL TO THE PUBLIC 25
CREMATION SERVICES FOR PET REMAINS. 26

7–4B–03. 27
12 HOUSE BILL 564

(A) EACH LICENSEE SHALL DISTR IBUTE A WRITTEN DESC RIPTION OF 1
AVAILABLE PET CREMATION SERVICES TO THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 2

(1) EACH OWNER OF A DECEA SED PET OR THE AGENT OF AN OWNER 3
OF A DECEASED PET WHO ARRANGES FOR PET CREMATION SERVICES; 4

(2) EACH VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, OR OTHER 5
PERSON WHO REFERS PET OWNERS OR DELIVERS DECEASED PETS TO THE LICENSEE 6
MORE THAN 5 TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR; 7

(3) THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND 8

(4) ON REQUEST, ANY OTHER PERSON. 9

(B) (1) THE DESCRIPTION OF PET CREMATION SERVIC ES REQUIRED 10
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUDE A DETAILED AND CLEAR 11
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVIC E OFFERED BY THE LIC ENSEE, 12
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS OF CREMATION SERVICES, IF OFFERED: 13

(I) PRIVATE CREMATION MEANS THE CREMATION OF A SINGLE 14
PET IN A CLEAN , EMPTY CHAMBER , AFTER WHICH THE PET CREMAINS ARE 15
RETURNED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE OWNER OF THE PET; 16

(II) INDIVIDUAL–PARTITIONED CREMATIO N MEANS THE 17
CREMATION OF MULTIPLE PETS IN THE SAME CHAMBER USING PHYSICAL BARRIERS 18
OR DESIGNATED SPACES TO MAINTAIN SEPARATI ON, AFTER WHICH THE PET 19
CREMAINS ARE RETURNED TO EACH OWNER; AND 20

(III) COMMUNAL CREMATION ME ANS THE CREMATION OF 21
MULTIPLE PETS SIMULT ANEOUSLY IN A SINGLE CHAMBER WITHOUT SEPA RATION 22
AND WITHOUT THE RETURN OF PET CREMAINS TO AN OWNER. 23

(2) IN THE DESCRIPTION OF PET CREMATION SERVIC ES REQUIRED 24
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, A LICENSEE MAY NOT: 25

(I) FAIL TO INCLUDE A COM PLETE AND ACCURATE 26
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVICE; 27

(II) OMIT A REQUIRED DISCLOSURE UNDER THIS SECTION; OR 28

(III) INCLUDE TEXT , ILLUSTRATIONS, A LAYOUT , OR 29
FORMATTING THAT CAUS ES CONFUSION ABOUT T HE NATURE OF THE PET 30
CREMATION SERVICE OR OBSTRUCTS ACCURATE DISCLOSURE. 31
HOUSE BILL 564 13

(3) EACH LICENSEE SHALL M AKE WR ITTEN COPIES OF THE 1
DESCRIPTION OF PET C REMATION SERVICES UN DER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS 2
SECTION: 3

(I) AVAILABLE IN QUANTITIES SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW FOR THE 4
DISTRIBUTION TO PET OWNERS WHO MAY BE RE FERRED TO OR SERVED BY THE 5
LICENSEE; AND 6

(II) AVAILABLE AT NO COST. 7

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, REGISTRANT, PERMIT HOLDER, LICENSEE, 8
OR ANY OTHER PERSON WHO REFERS PET OWNER S OR ACCEPTS DECEASE D PETS 9
FOR CREMATION MORE THAN 5 TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR SHALL PROVIDE A COPY 10
OF THE DESCRIPTION O F PET CREMATION SERVICES DESCRIBED U NDER 11
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION TO T HE PET OWNER AT THE TIME OF REFERRAL 12
OR ACCEPTANCE OF THE DECEASED PET. 13

7–4B–04. 14

(A) IF PET CREMATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY A L ICENSEE INCLUDE THE 15
RETURN OF PET CREMAI NS, THE LICENSEE SHALL PROVIDE A WRITTEN 16
CERTIFICATE WITH THE RETURNED PET CREMAINS THAT INCLUDES: 17

(1) THE DATE THE CREMATION WAS COMPLETED; 18

(2) A STATEMENT THAT , TO THE BEST OF THE L ICENSEE’S 19
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF , THE CREMATION AND RE LATED SERVICES WERE 20
PERFORMED IN ACCOR DANCE WITH THE LICEN SEE’S WRITTEN DESCRIPTIO N OF 21
SERVICES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON THE CERTIFICATE; 22

(3) A STATEMENT THAT THE C REMATION WAS CONDUCT ED IN 23
ACCORDANCE WITH PREVAILING INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES AND 24
IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS; AND 25

(4) THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: “THE POSTED DISCLOSURE OF PET 26
CREMATION RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IS A SUMMARY OF MARYLAND LAW . 27
THE FULL PROVISIONS O F THE LAW ARE SET FO RTH IN THE PET CREMATION 28
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT IN TITLE 7, SUBTITLE 4B OF THE HEALTH 29
OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE.”. 30

(B) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP , OR OTHER PERSON RESP ONSIBLE FOR 31
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER SHALL PROVIDE TO THE PET OWNER: 32

14 HOUSE BILL 564

(1) A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE PROVIDED BY THE LICENSEE UNDER 1
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION; AND 2

(2) AN ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATE THAT STATES, TO THE BEST OF THE 3
PERSON’S KNOWLEDGE AND BELI EF, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERW ISE INDICATED ON 4
THE CERTIFICATE, THE RETURNED PET CREMAINS: 5

(I) ARE THOSE OF THE PET OWNER’S DECEASED PET; AND 6

(II) HAVE BEEN RETURNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 7
LICENSEE’S REPRESENTATIONS TO THE PET OWNER. 8

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, OR ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR 9
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER: 10

(1) MAY RELY IN GOOD FAITH O N THE CERTIFICATE PR OVIDED AND 11
REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY A LICENSEE PROVIDING PET CREMATION SERVICES IN 12
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION; AND 13

(2) IS NOT REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE CREMATION PROCESS. 14

7–4B–05. 15

(A) EACH LICENSEE PROVIDING PET CREMATION SERVICES SHALL POST A 16
COPY OF THIS SUBTITL E AND A WRITTEN DESC RIPTION OF THE PET C REMATION 17
SERVICES BEING OFFERED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE PLACE OF BUSINESS. 18

(B) EACH LICENSEE THAT PR OVIDES PET CREMATION SERVICES SHA LL 19
ENSURE THAT A HOLDIN G FACILITY USED TO R ETAIN PET REMAINS BE FORE 20
CREMATION: 21

(1) PROTECTS THE HEALTH OF ALL INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR 22
HANDLING PET REMAINS; 23

(2) PRESERVES THE DIGNITY OF THE PET REMAINS; AND 24

(3) COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS. 25

(C) (1) EACH LICENSEE THAT PR OVIDES PET CREMATION SERVICES 26
SHALL MAINTAIN COMPLETE AND ACCURATE RECORDS FOR EACH PET CREMATION 27
COMPLETED. 28

(2) EACH LICENSEE SHALL RETAIN THE FOLLOWING RECORDS FOR A 29
PERIOD OF AT LEAST 5 YEARS: 30
HOUSE BILL 564 15

(I) EACH AUTHORIZATION FOR PET CREMATION SIGNED BY 1
THE PET OWNER OR PET OWNER’S AGENT; 2

(II) EACH IDENTIFICATION RECORD, INCLUDING TAGS, LABELS, 3
OR TRACKING DOCUMENTATION USED TO IDENTIFY PET CREMAINS; AND 4

(III) A LOGBOOK FOR EACH PET CREMATION COMPLETED THAT 5
SPECIFIES: 6

1. THE DATE OF CREMATION; 7

2. THE METHOD OF CREMATION; AND 8

3. THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PERFORMED THE 9
CREMATION. 10

(3) EACH LICENSEE SHALL E STABLISH AND MAINTAIN REASONABLE 11
PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY OF ALL RECORDS, 12
INCLUDING PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION RELATED TO A PET OWNER 13
OR CREMATED PET. 14

7–4B–06. 15

(A) A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS SUBTITLE IS GUI LTY OF A 16
MISDEMEANOR AND, ON CONVICTION, IS SUBJECT TO: 17

(1) FOR A FIRST VIOLATION , A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $5,000 OR 18
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 1 YEAR OR BOTH; 19

(2) FOR A SECOND VIOLATIO N, A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $10,000 OR 20
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 2 YEARS OR BOTH; AND 21

(3) FOR A THIRD OR SUBSEQ UENT VIOLATION , A FINE NOT 22
EXCEEDING $15,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 3 YEARS OR BOTH. 23

(B) (1) IF THE BOARD FINDS THAT A PE RSON HAS VIOLATED TH IS 24
SUBTITLE OR A REGULA TION ADOPTED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE , THE BOARD MAY 25
REFER THE MATTER TO: 26

(I) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR CIVIL ENFORCEMENT; OR 27

(II) THE APPROPRIATE STATE’S ATTORNEY FOR CRIMINAL 28
PROSECUTION. 29
16 HOUSE BILL 564

(2) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY SUE FOR A ND A COURT MAY 1
GRANT: 2

(I) INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF; 3

(II) IMPOSITION OF A CIVIL PENALTY NOT EXCEEDIN G $5,000; 4
OR 5

(III) BOTH. 6

7–4B–07. 7

THIS SUBTITLE AND TITLE 5, SUBTITLE 7A OF THE BUSINESS REGULATION 8
ARTICLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND PET CREMATION CONSUMER 9
PROTECTION ACT. 10

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the Laws of Maryland read 11
as follows: 12

Article – Commercial Law 13

13–301. 14

Unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices include any: 15

(14) Violation of a provision of: 16

(xlvii) Title 14, Subtitle 50 of this article; [or] 17

(xlviii) Section 13–411.1(c)(2) of the Transportation Article; or 18

(XLIX) TITLE 7, SUBTITLE 4B OF THE HEALTH 19
OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE; OR 20

Article – Health Occupations 21

7–101. 22

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated. 23

(d) “Board” means the State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. 24

(m) (1) “License” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a license issued 25
by the Board. 26

HOUSE BILL 564 17

(2) “License” includes, unless otherwise indicated: 1

(i) A mortician license; 2

(ii) An apprentice license; 3

(iii) A funeral director license; 4

(iv) A surviving spouse license; 5

(v) A corporation license; 6

(vi) A funeral establishment license; and 7

(vii) A courtesy card. 8

(r) “Licensee” means an individual or entity licensed by the Board to practice 9
mortuary science to the extent determined by the Board. 10

SUBTITLE 4B. PET CREMATION. 11

7–4B–01. 12

(A) IN THIS SUBTITLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS 13
INDICATED. 14

(B) “PET” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 5–7A–01 OF THE BUSINESS 15
REGULATION ARTICLE MEANS A DOMESTICATED OR TAMED ANIMAL KEPT AS A 16
COMPANION OR FOR PLEASURE. 17

(C) “PET CREMAINS ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 5–7A–01 OF THE 18
BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE MEANS THE BODY FRAGM ENTS OF A PET AFTER 19
HAVING BEEN CREMATED. 20

(D) “PET REMAINS ” HAS THE MEANING STAT ED IN § 5–101 OF THE 21
BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE. 22

7–4B–02. 23

THIS SUBTITLE APPLIES ONLY TO A LICENSEE T HAT ENGAGES IN THE 24
OPERATION OF A CREMA TORY THAT SELLS OR O FFERS TO SELL TO THE PUBLIC 25
CREMATION SERVICES FOR PET REMAINS. 26

7–4B–03. 27

18 HOUSE BILL 564

(A) EACH LICENSEE SHALL D ISTRIBUTE A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF 1
AVAILABLE PET CREMATION SERVICES TO THE FOLLOWING PERSONS: 2

(1) EACH OWNER OF A DECEA SED PET OR THE AGENT OF AN OWNER 3
OF A DECEASED PET WHO ARRANGES FOR PET CREMATION SERVICES; 4

(2) EACH VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, FUNERAL DIRECTOR, OR OTHER 5
PERSON WHO REFERS PET OWNERS OR DELIVERS DECEASED PETS TO THE LICENSEE 6
MORE THAN 5 TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR; 7

(3) THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; AND 8

(4) ON REQUEST, ANY OTHER PERSON. 9

(B) (1) THE DESCRIPTION OF PE T CREMATION SERVICES REQUIRED 10
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL INCLUDE A DETAILED AND CLEAR 11
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVIC E OFFERED BY THE LIC ENSEE, 12
INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTIONS OF CREMATION SERVICES, IF OFFERED: 13

(I) PRIVATE CREMATION MEANS THE CREMATION OF A SINGLE 14
PET IN A CLEAN , EMPTY CHAMBER , AFTER WHICH THE PET CREMAINS ARE 15
RETURNED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE OWNER OF THE PET; 16

(II) INDIVIDUAL–PARTITIONED CREMATIO N MEANS THE 17
CREMATION OF MULTIPLE PETS IN THE SAME CHAMBER USING PHYSICAL BARRIERS 18
OR DESIGNATED SPACES TO MAINT AIN SEPARATION , AFTER WHICH THE PET 19
CREMAINS ARE RETURNED TO EACH OWNER; AND 20

(III) COMMUNAL CREMATION ME ANS THE CREMATION OF 21
MULTIPLE PETS SIMULT ANEOUSLY IN A SINGLE CHAMBER WITHOUT SEPA RATION 22
AND WITHOUT THE RETURN OF PET CREMAINS TO AN OWNER. 23

(2) IN THE DESCRIPTION OF PET CREMATION SERVIC ES REQUIRED 24
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION, A LICENSEE MAY NOT: 25

(I) FAIL TO INCLUDE A COM PLETE AND ACCURATE 26
EXPLANATION OF EACH PET CREMATION SERVICE; 27

(II) OMIT A REQUIRED DISCLOSURE UNDER THIS SECTION; OR 28

(III) INCLUDE TEXT , ILLUSTRATIONS, A LAYOUT , OR 29
FORMATTING THAT CAUS ES CONFUSION ABOUT T HE NATURE OF THE PET 30
CREMATION SERVICE OR OBSTRUCTS ACCURATE DISCLOSURE. 31

HOUSE BILL 564 19

(3) EACH LICENSEE SHALL M AKE WRITTEN COPIES O F THE 1
DESCRIPTION OF PET C REMATION SERVICES UNDER SUBSE CTION (A) OF THIS 2
SECTION: 3

(I) AVAILABLE IN QUANTITIES SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW FOR THE 4
DISTRIBUTION TO PET OWNERS WHO MAY BE RE FERRED TO OR SERVED BY THE 5
LICENSEE; AND 6

(II) AVAILABLE AT NO COST. 7

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, REGISTRANT, PERMIT HOLDER, LICENSEE, 8
OR ANY OTHER PERSON WHO REFERS PET OWNER S OR ACCEPTS DECEASE D PETS 9
FOR CREMATION MORE THAN 5 TIMES IN A CALENDAR YEAR SHALL PROVIDE A COPY 10
OF THE DESCRIPTION O F PET CREMATION SERV ICES DESCRIBED UNDER 11
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION TO THE PET OW NER AT THE TIME OF R EFERRAL 12
OR ACCEPTANCE OF THE DECEASED PET. 13

7–4B–04. 14

(A) IF PET CREMATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY A L ICENSEE INCLUDE THE 15
RETURN OF PET CREMAI NS, THE LICENSEE SHALL P ROVIDE A WRITTEN 16
CERTIFICATE WITH THE RETURNED PET CREMAINS THAT INCLUDES: 17

(1) THE DATE THE CREMATION WAS COMPLETED; 18

(2) A STATEMENT THAT , TO THE BEST OF THE L ICENSEE’S 19
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF , THE CREMATION AND RE LATED SERVICES WERE 20
PERFORMED IN ACCORDA NCE WITH THE LICENSE E’S WRITTEN DESCRIPTIO N OF 21
SERVICES UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON THE CERTIFICATE; 22

(3) A STATEMENT THAT THE C REMATION WAS CONDUCT ED IN 23
ACCORDANCE WITH PREVAILING INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES AND 24
IN COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS; AND 25

(4) THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: “THE POSTED DISCLOSURE OF PET 26
CREMATION RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IS A SUMMARY OF MARYLAND LAW . 27
THE FULL PROVISIONS O F THE LAW ARE SET FO RTH IN THE PET CREMATION 28
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT IN TITLE 7, SUBTITLE 4B OF THE HEALTH 29
OCCUPATIONS ARTICLE OF THE MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE.”. 30

(B) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP , OR OTHER PERSON RESP ONSIBLE FOR 31
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER SHALL PROVIDE TO THE PET OWNER: 32

20 HOUSE BILL 564

(1) A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE PROVIDED BY THE LICENSEE UNDER 1
SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION; AND 2

(2) AN ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATE THAT STATES, TO THE BEST OF THE 3
PERSON’S KNOWLEDGE AND BELI EF, AND EXCEPT AS OTHERW ISE INDICATED ON 4
THE CERTIFICATE, THE RETURNED PET CREMAINS: 5

(I) ARE THOSE OF THE PET OWNER’S DECEASED PET; AND 6

(II) HAVE BEEN RETURNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 7
LICENSEE’S REPRESENTATIONS TO THE PET OWNER. 8

(C) A VETERINARIAN, PET SHOP, OR ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR 9
RETURNING PET CREMAINS TO A PET OWNER: 10

(1) MAY RELY IN GOOD FAIT H ON THE CERTIFICATE PROVIDED AND 11
REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY A LICENSEE PROVIDING PET CREMATION SERVICES IN 12
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS SECTION; AND 13

(2) IS NOT REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE CREMATION PROCESS. 14

7–4B–05. 15

(A) EACH LICENSEE PROVIDING PET CREMATION SERVICES SHALL POST A 16
COPY OF THIS SUBTITL E AND A WRITTEN DESC RIPTION OF THE PET C REMATION 17
SERVICES BEING OFFERED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE IN THE PLACE OF BUSINESS. 18

(B) EACH LICENSEE THAT PR OVIDES PET CREMATION SERVICES SHALL 19
ENSURE THAT A HOLDIN G FACILITY USED TO R ETAIN PET REMAINS BEFORE 20
CREMATION: 21

(1) PROTECTS THE HEALTH OF ALL INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR 22
HANDLING PET REMAINS; 23

(2) PRESERVES THE DIGNITY OF THE PET REMAINS; AND 24

(3) COMPLIES WITH APPLICABLE FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS. 25

(C) (1) EACH LICENSEE THAT PROVIDES PET CREMATI ON SERVICES 26
SHALL MAINTAIN COMPLETE AND ACCURATE RECORDS FOR EACH PET CREMATION 27
COMPLETED. 28

(2) EACH LICENSEE SHALL RETAIN THE FOLLOWING RECORDS FOR A 29
PERIOD OF AT LEAST 5 YEARS: 30
HOUSE BILL 564 21

(I) EACH AUTHORIZATION FO R PET CREMATION SIGN ED BY 1
THE PET OWNER OR PET OWNER’S AGENT; 2

(II) EACH IDENTIFICATION RECORD, INCLUDING TAGS, LABELS, 3
OR TRACKING DOCUMENTATION USED TO IDENTIFY PET CREMAINS; AND 4

(III) A LOGBOOK FOR EACH PET CREMATION COMPLETED THAT 5
SPECIFIES: 6

1. THE DATE OF CREMATION; 7

2. THE METHOD OF CREMATION; AND 8

3. THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL WHO PERFORMED THE 9
CREMATION. 10

(3) EACH LICENSEE SHALL E STABLISH AND MAINTAIN REASONABLE 11
PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THE CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY OF ALL RECORDS, 12
INCLUDING PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION RELATED TO A PET OWNER 13
OR CREMATED PET. 14

7–4B–06. 15

(A) A PERSON WHO VIOLATES THIS SUBTITLE IS GUI LTY OF A 16
MISDEMEANOR AND, ON CONVICTION, IS SUBJECT TO: 17

(1) FOR A FIRST VIOLATION , A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $5,000 OR 18
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 1 YEAR OR BOTH; 19

(2) FOR A SECOND VIOLATIO N, A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $10,000 OR 20
IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 2 YEARS OR BOTH; AND 21

(3) FOR A THIRD OR SUBSEQ UENT VIOLATION , A FINE NOT 22
EXCEEDING $15,000 OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING 3 YEARS OR BOTH. 23

(B) (1) IF THE BOARD FINDS THAT A PE RSON HAS VIOLATED TH IS 24
SUBTITLE OR A REGULA TION ADOPTED UNDER T HIS SUBTITLE , THE BOARD MAY 25
REFER THE MATTER TO: 26

(I) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR CIVIL ENFORCEMENT; OR 27

(II) THE APPROPRIATE STATE’S ATTORNEY FOR CRIM INAL 28
PROSECUTION. 29
22 HOUSE BILL 564

(2) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY SUE FOR A ND A COURT MAY 1
GRANT: 2

(I) INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF; 3

(II) IMPOSITION OF A CIVIL PENALTY NOT EXCEEDIN G $5,000; 4
OR 5

(III) BOTH. 6

7–4B–07. 7

THIS SUBTITLE MAY BE CITED AS THE MARYLAND PET CREMATION 8
CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT. 9

SECTION 2. 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That Section 2 of this Act shall 10
take effect October 1, 2026 , contingent on the taking effect of Chapter ___ or ______ (S.B. 11
413 or H.B. 698) of 2026. If Section 2 of this Act takes effect, Section 1 of this Act, with no 12
further action required by the General Assembly, shall be abrogated and of no further force 13
and effect. 14

SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That, subject to Section 3 of this 15
Act, this Act shall take effect October 1, 2026. 16

Approved:
________________________________________________________________________________
Governor.
________________________________________________________________________________
Speaker of the House of Delegates.
________________________________________________________________________________
President of the Senate.