Mississippi Cemetery Board; establish and empower within the Office of Secretary of State.

SB 2642 establishes the Mississippi Cemetery Board within the Office of the Secretary of State to regulate perpetual care cemeteries. The board, composed of seven members including cemetery operators and a public representative, oversees cemetery maintenance, financial oversight of trust funds, and enforces rules through inspections, permit requirements, and penalties for noncompliance. It directly affects cemetery operators and families using cemeteries that promise ongoing maintenance, while excluding religious and municipal cemeteries. The bill aims to protect public financial interests by ensuring physical care and sound financial management of cemetery operations.