AFCCA Legislative Updates – August 2026

With the 2026 legislative session adjourned, attention has shifted to implementing new laws, the November General Election, and preparations for the 2027 session. Around Arizona State Government Colorado River policy remains a major focus as the federal government finalized new operating guidelines for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Arizona will account for 760,000 acre-feet in reductions under the Lower Basin states’ agreement. Longer-term negotiations among the seven Basin states remain unresolved, keeping water policy at …

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Crematory Operations Certification Returns Within Driving Distance This October

If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to earn your Crematory Operations Certification without traveling across the country, this October brings one of the closest training opportunities we’ve seen in quite some time. On October 12, 2026, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) will host its nationally recognized Crematory Operations Certification Program (COCP) in Loveland, Colorado. For many Arizona funeral and cemetery professionals, this offers a convenient opportunity to complete the industry’s leading certification …

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Supporting Veteran Families Starts with Understanding VA Burial Benefits

When a veteran passes away, families often turn to their funeral director or cemetery professional for guidance during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Understanding the burial and memorial benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can help you provide clear answers, ease uncertainty, and ensure veterans receive the honors they have earned. To support funeral and cemetery professionals, the VA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has released several new resources …

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New Children’s Grief Resources Available for Funeral Professionals and Families

Supporting a family through the death of a child is one of the most difficult and meaningful responsibilities in funeral service. To help funeral professionals provide compassionate guidance during these moments, the Funeral Service Foundation has released several new grief resources developed in collaboration with the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and the National Alliance for Children’s Grief. Available at little or no cost, these resources are designed to give funeral professionals practical tools they can …

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Arizona Primary Election Recap  

Arizona’s July 21st primary saw roughly 1.14 million ballots cast statewide. Early and mail-in ballots made up the large majority of that total, with over 800,000 ballots cast before Election Day. Here is a breakdown of every legislative race by district heading into the general election. Don’t know your legislative district? Click here to find it! Executive Governor: Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs will face Republican Congressman Andy Biggs in the general election. Also appearing on …

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Connection, Community and the Future of Funeral Service

By Christopher Costello, CFSP NDFA 2025-27 At-large Representative Thank you for such a warm welcome to Arizona during my visit. It was great to see old friends and make new ones. My trip was seamless, as was the conference, thanks to all the work of Heather and the rest of the Board. I appreciate everything you did to make me feel welcome. This year’s convention reinforced the value of connection. Whether through relationships or education, …

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AFCCA Legislative Updates – June 19, 2026 Sine Die

AFCCA Updates The Association has been working closely with the Department of Health Services to develop an outline for the policies and procedures manuals that each establishment will be required to adopt under the new rules. This outline is intended to ease the drafting process for members as the industry works toward full compliance. It is worth noting that while the current implementation date is set for July 4, that date falls on both a …

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Registration Opens for Funeral Women Lead’s Unleashed Leadership and Wellness Summit and Academy Kickoff

Unleashed will be Sept. 28–30 at Wild Dunes Resort, Charleston S.C., the only multi-day leadership experience built exclusively for women in funeral service and deathcare.  Funeral Women Lead, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation dedicated exclusively to advancing, developing and supporting women and those who identify as women in funeral service and deathcare, today announced that registration is now open for its second annual Leadership and Wellness Summit: Unleashed, and the second cohort of the Women’s …

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AFCCA Legislative Updates – June 12, 2026

Provided by Capitol Consulting, LLC AFCCA Updates SB1668 (disposition; remains; authorization; legal decision making) Sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick clarifies in statute who has decision making authority over a decedent minor in very specific instances. This bill was voted out of the Senate with bipartisan support, and was signed by the Governor. The Association has been working closely with the Department of Health Services to develop an outline for the policies and procedures manuals that …

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AFCCA 2026 Annual Conference Brings Arizona’s Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Profession Together

The 2026 AFCCA Annual Conference & Expo brought funeral, cemetery, and cremation professionals from across Arizona together in Scottsdale for several days of education, connection, professional development, and conversations about the future of the profession. Centered around this year’s theme, Evolving Care: Leading the Future of Funeral & Cemetery Service, the conference explored how professionals and organizations can continue to grow and adapt while remaining grounded in the compassion, dignity, ethics, and service that define …

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