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An Act To Allow Funeral Homes To Own and Operate Crematories
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 13 MRSA §1341, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 620, §1, is amended to read:
 
3. Exception.   This section does not apply to a structure containing crypts erected or controlled by a church or religious society used for the remains of the clergy or dignitaries of the church or religious society or to a crematory owned and operated by a funeral establishment under Title 32, section 1501.
Sec. 2. 32 MRSA §1501, 4th ¶, as amended by PL 1989, c. 450, §22, is further amended to read:
A funeral establishment, in which the preparation of dead bodies takes place, must contain a preparation room equipped with tile, cement or composition floor, necessary drainage or proper disposal of waste satisfactory to the local health officer, ventilation and necessary instruments and supplies for the preparation and embalming of dead human bodies for burial, transportation or other disposition. Notwithstanding Title 13, section 1303, a funeral establishment may own and operate a crematory in a location that meets state and municipal zoning and environmental standards.
 
SUMMARY
This bill allows a licensed funeral establishment to own and operate a crematory in a location that meets state and municipal zoning and environmental standards.