HLS 14RS-1945 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2014
HOUSE BILL NO. 1124
BY REPRESENTATIVE RITCHIE
INSURANCE/LIFE: Authorizes funeral directors to determine life insurance coverage of
deceased person
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 22:918, relative to life insurance coverage; to allow funeral directors to make2
inquiries of insurers regarding life insurance on deceased persons; and to provide for3
related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 22:918 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 6
ยง918. Provision of life insurance information upon notification of insured's death7
A.(1) Any person licensed as a funeral director by the state of Louisiana and8
requested to provide funeral directing services pursuant to R.S. 37:831 et seq. for a9
deceased person insured or believed to be insured under a contract of life insurance10
or under a group life insurance policy may request information regarding the11
deceased person's life insurance contracts by providing an insurer with the following:12
(a) A written statement by the funeral director stating that he has been13
requested to provide funeral directing services for the deceased person identified14
therein.15
(b) Written authorization from any person who claims legal authority16
pursuant to R.S. 8:655 or by order of a court of competent jurisdiction to direct17
disposition of the deceased person's remains.18 HLS 14RS-1945 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 1124
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
(c) In the case of a deceased person covered or believed to be covered under1
a group life insurance policy, the affiliation of the deceased person with the group2
entitling him to coverage under the group life insurance policy.3
(2) As soon as possible after the receipt of the request, the life insurer shall4
inform the funeral director making the request of all of the following:5
(a) The existence of any contract insuring the life of the deceased person.6
(b) The date of issuance and the policy number.7
(c) The identity of any beneficiaries on record under any life insurance8
contract insuring the life of the deceased person.9
(d) The existence of any assignments and amount of any liens or loans10
outstanding on the policy.11
(e) The amount of the policy proceeds payable to the beneficiaries.12
(f) Whether the policy has been reinstated within the last two years.13
(g) Whether the policy proceeds are assignable.14
(3) The insurer shall provide a claim form to any person making the request15
pursuant to this Subsection at the same time the insurer provides information16
pursuant to Paragraph (2) of this Subsection.17
B.(1) The failure of an insurer to timely respond to a written request under18
Subsection A of this Section may be considered an unfair trade practice under R.S.19
22:1961 et seq. and subject to regulation by the commissioner of insurance.20
(2) Nothing in this Subsection shall be construed to grant a person making21
a request pursuant to Subsection A of this Section a private cause of action for22
damages against an insurer who fails to timely provide the requested information.23
C. The funeral director shall, upon request, provide all beneficiaries with a24
copy of all documents and information received from the insurance company. The25
funeral director shall not make any representation that the beneficiary has a legal26
duty or obligation to assign or use life insurance proceeds for payment of the funeral27
expenses of the deceased person.28 HLS 14RS-1945 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 1124
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are additions.
D. Any funeral director who makes a false request for information under1
Subsection A of this Subsection or fails to comply with Subsection C of this Section2
may be deemed guilty of dishonest conduct and subject to disciplinary action by the3
Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors.4
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Ritchie HB No. 1124
Abstract: Provides that funeral directors may request information from life insurance
companies regarding possible insurance on the life of a deceased person.
Proposed law allows funeral directors providing funeral directing services for a deceased
person to ask life insurers about the possible existence of life insurance policies when
authorized to do so by the person with legal authority to direct the disposition of the
deceased person's remains.
Proposed law provides that the commissioner of insurance may impose sanctions on insurers
who fail to timely comply with the requests of funeral directors
Proposed law provides that the La. State Board of Embalmers may impose disciplinary
action on a funeral director who makes a false request for information or represents that the
beneficiary of a life insurance policy has a legal duty or obligation to assign or use the life
insurance proceeds for payment of the deceased person's funeral expenses.
(Adds R.S. 22:918)