Texas Senate Bill SB2436

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to disclosure of a beneficiary to a funeral director under a life insurance policy.

Impact

The introduction of SB2436 is poised to create a more streamlined process for funeral directors when interacting with life insurance companies. By requiring the disclosure of beneficiaries, the bill alleviates potential barriers that may arise during the funeral planning process, particularly in cases where beneficiaries are unaware of their status or where disputes may exist. The legislation promotes transparency and efficiency in the coordination between funeral services and life insurance, which could lead to a smoother experience for grieving families as they navigate these arrangements.

Summary

Senate Bill 2436 seeks to amend the Texas Insurance Code by adding a new subchapter that specifically addresses the disclosure of life insurance policy beneficiaries to funeral directors. The bill mandates that if a funeral director, licensed under Chapter 651 of the Occupations Code, is directing the funeral of an insured individual, the life insurance company must disclose the beneficiary of that individual’s policy upon request from the funeral director. This provision aims to facilitate the funeral process by ensuring that funeral directors have access to essential information regarding who will be receiving the benefits of the life insurance policy.

Contention

While the bill focuses on the practicalities of funeral arrangements and beneficiary disclosures, it may also raise concerns among stakeholders about privacy and the management of sensitive information. Some critics might argue that mandatory disclosure could infringe upon the privacy rights of policyholders and beneficiaries, as it allows funeral directors access to personal financial information without broader context. However, proponents maintain that such transparency is vital for the timely execution of funeral services and will not impose undue risk on the privacy of individuals involved.