HI
Hawaii Senate Bill SB525

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB525

Introduced
1/17/25  

Caption

Relating To Mandatory Prior Written Notice And Consent In Contracts To Provide Cremation Services.

Impact

The implementation of SB525 is likely to improve consumer protection concerning cremation services. The law mandates that clear communication about the recovery and potential sale of precious metals is a necessary part of the contract process. By enforcing such requirements, the bill aims to prevent unethical practices and ensures that families are informed about aspects of the cremation process that might otherwise go unnoticed. It effectively modifies the landscape of mortuary services by establishing new guidelines for financial transactions that involve sensitive consumer properties.

Summary

SB525 seeks to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes to introduce mandatory prior written notice and consent in contracts pertaining to cremation services. It requires that, beginning October 1, 2025, any mortuary, cemetery, or pre-need funeral authority offering cremation services must notify the purchaser in writing if any precious metals are recovered during the cremation process. Furthermore, the sale or recycling of such metals must only occur with explicit written consent from the purchaser. This amendment aims to enhance transparency and protect consumer rights during an emotionally challenging time.

Contention

Opposition to SB525 revolves around concerns related to the operational impact on mortuaries and funeral service providers. Some argue that the additional requirements for written notice and consent might complicate the process for families seeking cremation services and could lead to logistical challenges for providers. Moreover, there might be concerns regarding delays in service that could arise from obtaining necessary consents, especially when time-sensitive decisions are needed during the grieving process. However, proponents argue that the benefits of safeguarding consumer rights far outweigh these potential drawbacks.

Latest SB525 Activity

Companion Bills

HI HB565

Same As Relating To Mandatory Prior Written Notice And Consent In Contracts To Provide Cremation Services.

Similar Bills

HI HB565

Relating To Mandatory Prior Written Notice And Consent In Contracts To Provide Cremation Services.

MI SB0268

Insurance: life; adjustment of death benefit for cemetery or funeral goods and services; modify. Amends sec. 2080 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2080).

MT HB932

Revise funeral services licensing and death certificate reporting laws

AL HB47

Funeral Service Board, licensing and regulation of cemetery authorities and cemeteries, Alabama Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act, established, adding, amending and renumbering numerous sections, Secs. 27-17A-2, 27-17A-17, 27-17A-45, 27-17A-57 repealed; Secs. 34-13-1, 34-13-2, 34-13-4, 34-13-7, 34-13-9, 34-13-11, 34-13-12, 34-13-20, 34-13-22, 34-13-23, 34-13-26, 34-13-27, 34-13-52, 34-13-53, 34-13-54, 34-13-55, 34-13-56, 34-13-56.1, 34-13-111, 34-13-113 am'd.

ME LD867

An Act Regarding Pre-need Funeral Insurance

OR SB872

Relating to disciplinary actions imposed by the State Mortuary and Cemetery Board.

AL HB212

Relating to the Alabama Board of Funeral Service; to amend Section 34-13-1, as amended by Act 2022-339, 2022 Regular Session, Sections 34-13-20, 34-13-21, and 34-13-22, Sections 34-13-23 and 34-13-27, as amended by Act 2022-339, 2022 Regular Session, Code of Alabama 1975, to rename the Alabama Board of Funeral Service as the Alabama Board of Funeral Services and to provide further for definitions and the membership of the board; to add Article 5 to Chapter 13, Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, by amending and renumbering Sections 27-17A-1, 27-17A-3, 27-17A-4, 27-17A-10 to 27-17A-25, inclusive, 27-17A-30 to 27-17A-34, inclusive, and 27-17A-40 to 27-17A-57, inclusive, as Sections 34-13-170 to 34-13-172, inclusive, 34-13-190 to 34-13-206, inclusive, 34-13-230 to 34-13-234, inclusive, and 34-13-260 to 34-13-277, inclusive, Code of Alabama 1975; to establish the Alabama Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act of 2023; to transfer the existing Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act, and the regulation of preneed contracts, from the Commissioner and Department of Insurance to the Alabama Board of Funeral Service; to authorize the Department of Insurance to temporarily transfer certain funds to the board to defray costs associated with the administration and operation of the Alabama Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act of 2023; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.

AL HB81

Relating to the Alabama Board of Funeral Service; to amend Section 34-13-1, as amended by Act 2022-339, 2022 Regular Session, Sections 34-13-20, 34-13-21, and 34-13-22, Sections 34-13-23 and 34-13-27, as amended by Act 2022-339, 2022 Regular Session, Code of Alabama 1975, to rename the Alabama Board of Funeral Service as the Alabama Board of Funeral Services and to provide further for definitions and the membership of the board; to add Article 5 to Chapter 13, Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, by amending and renumbering Sections 27-17A-1, 27-17A-3, 27-17A-4, 27-17A-10 to 27-17A-25, inclusive, 27-17A-30 to 27-17A-34, inclusive, and 27-17A-40 to 27-17A-57, inclusive, as Sections 34-13-170 to 34-13-172, inclusive, 34-13-190 to 34-13-206, inclusive, 34-13-230 to 34-13-234, inclusive, and 34-13-260 to 34-13-277, inclusive, Code of Alabama 1975; to establish the Alabama Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act of 2023; to transfer the existing Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act, and the regulation of preneed contracts, from the Commissioner and Department of Insurance to the Alabama Board of Funeral Service; to authorize the Department of Insurance to temporarily transfer certain funds to the board to defray costs associated with the administration and operation of the Alabama Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Act of 2023; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.