Licensed Funeral Establishments - Provision of Fact Sheet on Real Property Ownership

HB 1445 requires Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development to create and publish a plain-language fact sheet explaining legal issues around residential property ownership after a homeowner's death (like "tangled title" problems with deeds or heirs). Licensed funeral homes must provide a printed copy of this fact sheet to the deceased's immediate family members or authorized representatives during funeral services. The fact sheet will cover how to resolve property ownership issues, include information on probate resources, and list free or low-cost legal assistance for low-income residents. This bill takes effect June 1, 2025, directly affecting funeral homes and families navigating property matters after a death.