New rules will regulate funeral homes in Colorado

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) – Colorado doesn’t have many regulations regarding the funeral home industry. You may not know, but Colorado was one of the few states that didn’t have requirements for who could become a funeral director. Before the latest regulations, the state last had such regulations in 1983 – more than 40 years ago. Those regulations were lost because the state legislature didn’t renew the regulations.

Recently passed bills such as Senate Bill 24-173, House Bill 24-1335 and House Bill 24-1254 were created to address gaps in the funeral and death care industry in Colorado, especially in light of the recent tragedies at Penrose Funeral Home and Sunset Mesa.

Colorado State Representative Matt Soper (R) of District 54 said, “We never want to be an embarrassment to this nation again. Those who have lost their licenses in other states or have been punished have come to Colorado.”

SB24-173 requires funeral directors, embalmers, cremationists and related professionals to be licensed and qualified by January 2027. HB24-1335 sets standards for funeral homes and crematoriums and allows the state to inspect them. HB24-1254 removes the profit motive for funeral homes that work with body banks. It also gives you a say and protection if you were to donate your body after you die.

For victims of tragedies like the Sunset Mesa body sale, these laws are a step in the right direction. Judy Cressler told us, “It’s been a tough journey. I hope that with these laws that they’re working on, something will change. If there’s no tough punishment, it won’t do much.” “…Instead of handing our loved ones over to complete strangers and not asking questions, we need to know what questions to ask. We also need our government to help us be transparent.”

Legislators work with the public and stakeholders to craft the rules. Here are the details, including educational requirements, necessary training, and other areas. To register and get involved: Rulemaking News

The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies has a consumer guide on end-of-life care and these final rights. For information, click this link.