1. Prior to selling or otherwise disposing of a majority of the business assets of a cemetery, or a majority of its stock or other ownership interest, if a corporation or other organized business entity, the cemetery operator shall provide written notification to the division of its intent at least thirty days prior to the date set for the transfer, or the closing of the sale, or the date set for termination of its business. Such notice is confidential and shall not be considered a public record subject to the provisions of chapter 610 until the sale of the cemetery has been effectuated. Upon receipt of the written notification, the division may take reasonable and necessary action to determine that the cemetery operator has made proper plans to assure that trust funds or funds held in an escrow account for or on behalf of the cemetery will be set aside and used as provided in sections 214.270 to 214.410, including, but not limited to, an audit or examination of books and records. The division may waive the requirements of this subsection or may shorten the period of notification for good cause or if the division determines in its discretion that compliance with its provisions are not necessary.

2. A cemetery operator may complete the sale, transfer, or cessation if the division does not disapprove the transaction within thirty days after receiving notice. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict any other right or remedy vested in the division or the attorney general.

Terms Used In Missouri Laws 214.367

  • Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.

3. A prospective purchaser or transferee of endowed or unendowed cemetery, with the written consent of the cemetery operator, may obtain a copy of the cemetery’s most recent audit or inspection report from the division. The division shall inform the prospective purchaser or transferee, within thirty days, whether the cemetery may continue to operate and be represented as a cemetery.