HB 564 Maryland House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Pet Cremation and Burial Services - Requirements (Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act)

HB 564, the Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act, requires businesses that provide pet cremation services to give pet owners a written description of available services. This applies specifically to registered cemeterians, cemetery operators, and permit holders selling or offering pet cremation services for pet remains. The written description must be provided to the owner of a deceased pet or their agent when arranging for cremation. The bill aims to increase transparency and ensure pet owners receive clear information about service options before making arrangements.

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Jan 28, 2026 Signed May 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Third - Pet Cremation and Burial Services - Requirements (Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act) → Enrolled - Pet Cremation and Burial Services - Requirements (Pet Cremation and Burial Services Consumer Protection Act) · 4 edits · Feb 5, 2026

MODERATE

The bill has transitioned from a draft version to its final enrolled form, incorporating administrative updates such as the addition of a proofreader section and the inclusion of the Governor's approval date. Substantively, the bill's scope was expanded to repeal and reenact additional sections of the Annotated Code of Maryland, specifically adding new repeals for Section 5-101(t) and new additions to the Commercial Law article regarding pet remains and burial goods, while retaining the core provisions for pet cremation and burial services.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include new repeals of Section 5-101(t) and new additions to Article 13, Section 13-301(14)(xlix) and (xlx) of the Commercial Law, broadening the legislative changes related to pet remains and burial goods beyond the original draft.

TECHNICAL

Added administrative header information including 'ENROLLED BILL', 'Read and Examined by Proofreaders', and a signature block for the Speaker and Governor.

SCOPE

Expanded the list of repealed and reenacted statutes to include Section 5-101(t) and new additions to Commercial Law sections 13-301(14)(xlix) and (xlx).

DEFINITION

Reorganized the definitions within Article 5, Section 5-101, moving the definition of 'Pet remains' from a deleted bracketed section to an active section (t) and adjusting the order of other definitions.

Reorganized the definitions within Article 5, Section 5-101, moving the definition of 'Reduction facility' from a deleted bracketed section to an active section (w) and adjusting the order of other definitions.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 25, 2026 · House of Delegates Mar 31, 2026

How they voted

48–1

Passed

Total votes 49

Mar 25, 2026

D Democratic36

35 Yea 1 Nay

97% Yea

R Republican13

13 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 12, 2026

Signed into law

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 547

executive

Apr 13, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Enrolled

lower

Apr 13, 2026

Introduced

House Concurs Senate Amendments

lower

Apr 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

Third Reading Passed

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

upper

Apr 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

upper

Mar 31, 2026

House Of Delegates · Passed

House of Delegates Vote: pass (133-2-7)

house of delegates

Mar 25, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (48-1)

senate

Mar 5, 2026

Committee

Referred Finance

upper

Mar 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

Third Reading Passed

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments {

lower

Mar 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Favorable with Amendments Report by Health

lower

Jan 28, 2026

Committee

First Reading Economic Matters

lower

28 primary · 0 co-sponsors