Colorado lawmakers have taken decisive action to address the state's lax oversight of funeral homes following a series of disturbing incidents that have shocked the community. These incidents include the sale of body parts, the distribution of fake ashes, and the discovery of 190 decaying bodies.
The cases have deeply affected numerous grieving families and prompted lawmakers to pass a comprehensive bill aimed at reforming the oversight of funeral homes. The bill has now been sent to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis for final approval.
If signed into law, the legislation would grant regulators significantly enhanced enforcement powers over funeral homes. It would also mandate regular inspections of facilities, even after they have closed down.
This bill is part of a broader legislative effort to improve the standards within the funeral industry. Another bill, which recently passed both chambers, would require funeral home directors and other professionals in the industry to undergo background checks, obtain a degree in mortuary science, pass a national examination, and complete an apprenticeship.
The need for these reforms became glaringly apparent when 190 decomposing bodies were discovered at a funeral home facility infested with bugs, located south of Denver. The owners of the facility have been arrested and are facing numerous charges, including abuse of a corpse.
In a separate incident earlier this year, a body was found to have been left in the back of a hearse for over a year at another Colorado funeral home.
Colorado's funeral home regulations have been criticized as some of the weakest in the nation. Prior to these legislative changes, funeral home directors were not required to have a high school diploma, and regulators did not conduct routine inspections as is common in many other states. The passage of these bills represents a significant step towards bringing Colorado's funeral industry standards in line with national norms.
