Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB544

Introduced

2/6/23

Refer

2/7/23

Report Pass

2/7/23

Engrossed

3/22/23

Refer

3/29/23

Report Pass

4/12/23

Enrolled

4/27/23

Passed

5/5/23

Caption

Perpetual Care Fund Act; modifying application requirements for permits. Effective date.

Impact

The implications of SB544 significantly modify how cemetery owners manage their Perpetual Care Trust Funds. By establishing electronic reporting and a more structured renewal process, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability. Cemetery owners must now file applications and renewals electronically, and those who fail to comply risk their permits expiring. This change aims to streamline the administrative processes involved, thereby improving regulatory compliance across the board.

Summary

Senate Bill 544 amends the Perpetual Care Fund Act, which pertains to cemeteries and the management of funds intended for the perpetual care of gravesites. The bill updates several aspects of the existing legislation including the requirements for cemetery owners to maintain a Perpetual Care Trust Fund and establishes new regulations for applying for and renewing permits associated with these funds. It is designed to ensure better oversight and management of the funds that are meant to guarantee the maintenance of cemeteries over time.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB544 appears to be generally supportive among those advocating for enhanced regulation and accountability in cemetery fund management. By tightening the rules on how funds are reported and maintained, proponents argue that the bill will better protect the interests of the public and ensure that cemetery services are adequately funded over the long term. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the additional administrative burdens this may impose on smaller cemetery operators.

Contention

A notable point of contention stemming from SB544 relates to perceived regulatory overreach. While many support the bill's intent to ensure that perpetual care funds are managed properly, some stakeholders argue that the increased regulatory requirements could be challenging for smaller cemeteries, particularly in terms of compliance costs and administrative complexities. There is a fear that the heightened financial obligations might lead to increased costs for consumers or discourage the operation of smaller cemetery services.

Latest SB544 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

OK SB544

Perpetual Care Fund Act; modifying application requirements for permits. Effective date.

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.

AL SB131

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.