Texas House Bill HB2932

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the payment for funeral services performed by a transferring funeral home under a purchase agreement for funeral services or merchandise.

Impact

This legislation updates Section 651.406 of the Texas Occupations Code, influencing how funeral establishments operate when it comes to handling financial arrangements for transferred services. The new requirement enables recipient funeral homes to include any outstanding amounts owed to the transferring establishments within their purchase agreements, thus safeguarding the financial interests of the transferring funeral homes. This change highlights the intention to protect not just the businesses involved but also the families utilizing these services by ensuring that all dues are settled promptly and transparently.

Summary

House Bill 2932 addresses the payment processes associated with funeral services, specifically focusing on the procedures that must be followed when one funeral home transfers a deceased individual’s body to another funeral establishment under a purchase agreement. The bill seeks to add clarity and enforce compliance regarding any dues or financial obligations owed to the transferring funeral home by the customer. By establishing clear lines of responsibility for payments, the bill aims to streamline the transaction process for funeral services.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves to clarify funeral service payment protocols, it may raise concerns among funeral homes regarding the enforceability of these new practices and how they could affect their relationships with clients. Some establishments might worry about the risks involved if the client's previous financial obligations are not adequately disclosed or collected. Additionally, there might be debates on potential impacts on consumer rights and transparency, as customers may prefer more straightforward arrangements without additional obligations tied to transfers of service.