The Colorado state lawmakers recently passed two bills aimed at overhauling the oversight of funeral homes in the state. The move comes in response to a series of disturbing incidents, including the discovery of 190 decaying bodies, fake ashes, and sold body parts. These cases have deeply impacted grieving families and exposed the weaknesses in the state’s funeral home regulations, which are considered some of the laxest in the nation. The newly passed legislation will grant regulators greater enforcement power over funeral homes and mandate routine inspections, even after a facility closes down. Another bill, which has already been sent to Governor Jared Polis for approval, would require licensing for funeral directors and other industry professionals, with qualifications including background checks, mortuary science degrees, national examination passing, and work experience.
The need for stricter regulations became apparent after the troubling incident where 190 decomposing bodies were found at a funeral home located two hours south of Denver. This discovery left many families questioning whether the cremated remains they received were actually those of their loved ones. It was later revealed that some bodies had been left to decay in the facility for up to four years, leading to the arrest of the owners on numerous charges, including abuse of a corpse. In a separate incident at another Colorado funeral home, a body was discovered in the back of a hearse after having been left there for over a year. Prior to the passing of these bills, funeral directors in Colorado were not required to have a high school diploma, and regulators did not mandate routine inspections as in other states.
The funeral home industry in Colorado has largely supported the new regulations, recognizing the need for a drastic update to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Joe Walsh, the president of the Colorado Funeral Directors Association, emphasized the importance of bringing the state in line with national standards and ensuring that Colorado is not seen as the “laughing stock” of unregulated funeral practices. While acknowledging that the new licensing requirements may pose challenges at times, Walsh believes that they are a crucial step towards improving the oversight of funeral homes in the state. The majority of funeral directors have expressed support for the regulations, signaling a willingness to comply with the new rules for the greater benefit of the industry and the families they serve.
The passing of these bills marks a significant milestone in addressing the deficiencies in Colorado’s funeral home regulations and enhancing the accountability of industry professionals. By empowering regulators with greater enforcement authority and requiring stringent qualifications for funeral directors and other roles, the state aims to prevent future tragedies and restore trust in the funeral industry. The collaboration between lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and grieving families underscores the collective commitment to ensuring that all funeral homes in Colorado adhere to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. As these measures come into effect, the hope is that they will not only bring Colorado in line with national standards but also serve as a model for other states looking to improve their oversight of the funeral industry.
