ATLANTA … Secretary of State Cathy Cox will host a Columbus-area public hearing next week to gather public input concerning the regulation of perpetual care cemeteries and the funeral service industry. The hearing will be held Thursday, October 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Columbus Government Center’s Council Chamber located on the Plaza Level at 100 10^th Street, Columbus.
    The hearing will be the sixth in 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 seen 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.