TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE THE STATE'S CEMETERY & FUNERAL INDUSTRY

Edward M. Ranier, Esq., Chair (chosen by Governor)

Appointed by Governor: Rebecca G. Bowman, Esq.; Charles S. Brown; Earl L. Canapp; Judith B. Donaldson; Margot G. Gilison; David M. Goodman; Joe Jenkins III; Michael R. Lachance; Lisa E. Maddux, Esq.; Frank J. Markowski; Thomas J. Murphy III; Frank A. Porter; Sarah F. Rex; John E. Smialek, M.D.; Sheila G. Stewart-Duncan; Harriet K. Suskin; Linda Whitby, M.D.

Appointed by Senate President: John J. Hafer; Martin G. Madden; Decatur W. Trotter.

Appointed by House Speaker: Hattie N. Harrison; Dan K. Morhaim; C. Anthony Muse.

Ex officio: Susan E. Elson, designee of Secretary of State.

Staff: Ross K. Goldstein, Esq.; Shauna G. Mitchell, Esq.

c/o Dept. of Legislative Services
90 State Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3870

The Task Force to Examine the State's Cemetery and Funeral Industry was organized in 1996 (Chapter 209, Acts of 1996). Its charge was to identify small businesses in the funeral and burial industries and assess regulation of the funeral industry in Maryland and other states. The Task Force was to determine costs to purchasers of funeral merchandise, including caskets, cremations, and burial plots; and to State and local governments for burial of the indigent. In addition, the Task Force was to evaluate interest rates and financing charges in the burial industries and assess issues facing small businesses in those industries.

The Task Force recommended legislative, regulatory and other changes to reduce costs to the public; encourage people to make burial decisions before the need arises; educate the funeral and burial industries about people's religious needs as they relate to burial practices; and properly reinter any remains found in the development of property.

The Task Force submitted its final report to the Governor and General Assembly on December 24, 1996.

Defunct Maryland Executive Commissions, Committees, Task Forces, & Advisory Boards

Maryland Manual On-Line