ATLANTA July 27, 1999 … Secretary of State Cathy Cox will host a Savannah public hearing next month to gather public input concerning the regulation of perpetual care cemeteries and the funeral service industry. The hearing will be held Monday, August 16^th from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Old Chatham County Courthouse in Savannah.

The Savannah hearing will be the first of a series of sessions in cities throughout the state. Through the Securities and Business Regulation division, the Secretary of State regulates perpetual care cemeteries in Georgia. The agency also staffs the Funeral Service Examining Board, which licenses and regulates funeral home operators in the state.

The last decade has seen dramatic changes in both industries. Many family-owned cemeteries and funeral homes have been acquired by large corporate owners. This summer one of the largest operators, the Vancouver, B.C.-based Loewen Group, filed for federal bankruptcy protection. In recent months the Secretary of State’s office has noticed an increase in consumer complaints about sales practices and pricing of services.

Secretary Cox is planning to propose legislative changes in the next session of the General Assembly to strengthen consumer protection and modernize regulatory oversight of both industries. Consumers who wish to share their views or experiences at the hearing should call the Secretary of State’s office, toll-free, at 1-888-733-7427.

Press Office ~ 110 State Capitol ~ Atlanta, GA 30334 ~ 404.656.4269 FAX: 404.657.5804