SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5262
As of January 20, 2023
Title: An act relating to amending the filing deadlines for cemetery districts to file annual reports with the secretary of state.
Brief Description: Amending the filing deadlines for cemetery districts to file annual reports with the secretary of state.
Sponsors: Senator Braun.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: State Government & Elections: 1/13/23 [w/oRec-LGLT].
Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs: 1/24/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Secretary of State to align the delivery date of the annual report of a cemetery authority with the expiration dates of licenses and permits from the Funeral and Cemetery Board if elected by the cemetery authority. 
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LAND USE & TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Staff: Karen Epps (786-7424)
Background:

Public cemeteries in Washington are generally managed by cemetery districts or municipalities.  A cemetery district is a municipal corporation governed by a board of three elected commissioners that provides cemeteries and conducts cemetery business. 


The Funeral and Cemetery Board (Board) enforces and administers the laws generally related to cemeteries, morgues, and human remains. The director of the Department of Licensing (DOL), in consultation with the Board, administers the laws. Facilities, including crematories, that perform services related to the final disposition of human remains are licensed, by a permit or endorsement, by DOL and may be inspected.

 

A cemetery authority must have a certificate of authority from the Board to make an interment.  Licenses and endorsements, in some cases, are required for cemeteries and prearrangement sales. These licenses, endorsements, certificates, and permits expire on January 31st of each year.

 

Various entities, such as corporations, limited liability partnerships, nonprofit corporations, and cemetery authorities, must file an annual report with the Secretary of State's office.
Summary of Bill:

The Secretary of State must align the delivery date of the annual report of a cemetery authority with the expiration dates for licenses, endorsements, certificates, and permits by the Funeral and Cemetery Board if elected by a cemetery authority. The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement the change to the delivery date of annual reports from cemetery authorities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2023.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.