Morticians and Funeral Directors - Not-For-Profit Funeral Establishments

HB 1051 modifies Maryland law to allow tax-exempt non-profit organizations (501(c)(3) entities) to operate funeral homes and obtain licenses as "corporations" under the State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors. It directly affects non-profit funeral organizations that previously could not qualify for licensing under the existing definition of "corporation." The key provision expands the definition of "corporation" to include such non-profits, authorizing the Board to issue and renew licenses for these organizations if they meet specific requirements, including having "practicing funeral direction" as their purpose. This change creates a new pathway for non-profits to legally operate funeral services without needing a for-profit structure.