A Message About Senate Bill 1111, Relative to Food and Refreshments at Funeral Homes

Today, at a hearing on the Joint Committee on Public Health, Senate Bill 1111, An Act Relative to Funerals, will be heard. It is a bill that has garnered much media attention as of late, and I wanted to let the public know a little bit more about the bill.

This bill, which I have filed for the last several years, seeks to allow licensed funeral establishments to provide food and liquid refreshments during hours of operation. In the past, it has been said that a health hazard would exist should food and drink be allowed in the same vicinity as a corpse. In light of the fact that a great number of funeral homes across the Commonwealth are also private residences, however, I find this argument to be less than persuasive. Obviously, should this bill be passed, reasonably prudent steps would be taken in order to ensure complete public safety and security relative to the separation of areas where food and beverages would be served from any dangerous chemical substances used in the course of business.