Texas Senate Bill SB65

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/14/16

Caption

Relating to the regulation of funeral services, funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories; imposing penalties.

Impact

The bill is set to enhance the oversight of funeral service practices by the Texas Funeral Service Commission. It aims to standardize the regulation across the state, ensuring that funeral service providers adhere to specific standards that would better safeguard public welfare. By instituting penalties for violations, the legislation seeks not only to punish wrongdoing but also to deter potential infractions within the funeral services industry. The proposal is seen as a necessary update to existing laws, which may have been less stringent in addressing consumer protection in this sensitive area.

Summary

SB65 aims to regulate funeral services, funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories in Texas. This legislation introduces specific provisions for the enforcement of violations by empowering the Texas Funeral Service Commission to approach the attorney general in cases where potential violations occur. The intent is to create a stricter regulatory framework that ensures compliance among these entities, thereby protecting consumer interests in the state. Additionally, the bill imposes civil penalties ranging from $50 to $25,000 for violations, establishing a robust consequence mechanism to deter non-compliance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB65 include the potential for increased regulatory burden on funeral service providers, which may lead to higher operational costs. Critics worry that the imposition of penalties might disproportionately impact smaller, family-run funeral homes that may struggle more than larger organizations to meet new compliance requirements. Supporters of the bill argue that a regulatory body with the ability to enforce penalties is essential for maintaining ethical standards in the funeral industry, which is crucial given the delicate nature of the services offered. The balance between effective regulation and overburdening small businesses remains a focal point of discussion among stakeholders.