Congratulations to all this year’s recipients! The award ceremony will take place on Monday, June 15, during the Gala, where we will once again pay tribute to past MFDA presidents. Mark your calendars! Also, in January, MFDA lobbyist Brad Longcake and I spoke before the legislative committee regarding HJ 27, an interim study on morticians and the funeral service industry. The study directs the committee to first evaluate ways to update Montana’s existing statutory framework for regulating the funeral industry. Second, it aims to explore the authorization of additional forms of disposition in Montana law. The association’s goal is to modernize Montana’s code, which currently allows only two forms of disposition, to reflect the changing realities of our industry. Brad and I will monitor the situation closely to ensure we are adequately prepared for the 2027 session. Bri Mulvaney, president of the MFDA, Chris Holt, MFDA policy representative, and I will be traveling to Washington, D.C., in April for the NFDA Advocacy Summit. Of particular interest are two proposed bills: the Consensual Donation and Research Integrity Act and the Funeral Coverage Act, both of which have drawn significant attention in Congress. The funeral coverage bill aims to allow remaining HSA funds to be used for final disposition. The NFDA is also monitoring several bills it supports related to veterans’ funerals and well-being. Meanwhile, your district governors are gearing up for the district meetings in May. Here’s a preview of the schedule: May District Meetings MAY 6 — GREAT FALLS Location TBD MAY 7 — BUTTE MacKenzie River Pizza Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and meeting at 6:00 p.m. MAY 14 — MISSOULA Mustard Seed at Southgate Mall Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and meeting at 6:00 p.m. MAY 19 — MILES CITY Black Iron Grill Cocktails at 5:00 p.m. Dinner and meeting at 6:00 p.m. MAY 20 — BILLINGS The Windmill Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and meeting at 6:00 p.m. MFDA Executive Director Terri James and lobbyist Brad Longcake speak to the Economics Affairs Committee on HJ 27. As a reminder, these meetings offer 2 CE hours to attendees and will be held during the district governor election period. If you are interested in running for office and joining the MFDA Board of Directors, please email me to have your name added to the ballot. Make the most of your winter days, and as always, I truly appreciate everything you do for our families. Terri James MFDA Executive Director DIRECTORS DIGEST | 7
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