Cemeteries, funeral homes could be jointly owned

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Funeral homes and cemeteries could be jointly owned under a bill being circulated in the state Assembly.

The proposal has the support of Wisconsin cemetery owners, who have formed a new organization to support the legislation by Rep. Evan Wynn, a Republican from Whitewater.

Cemetery owners said in a statement released Wednesday that joint ownership would be more convenient and cost-effective for people making arrangements and services could be provided more efficiently.

According to bill backers, Wisconsin is one of only four states with such a joint ownership prohibition. They call it antiquated and a deterrent to competition.

Wynn set a Jan. 18 deadline for lawmakers to sign on as co-sponsors of the bill.