Texas House Bill HB3715

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to assignment of certain death benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Impact

The implementation of HB3715 is expected to streamline the process for beneficiaries when handling funeral expenses. By allowing benefits to be assigned directly to funeral service providers, the bill may reduce the administrative burden on families during a difficult time. Furthermore, it is anticipated that such a measure will improve the timeliness of payments for funeral services, ensuring that providers are compensated in a timely manner and alleviating stress for grieving families.

Summary

House Bill 3715 focuses on the assignment of death benefits payable by the Employees Retirement System of Texas. The bill introduces two new sections to the Government Code, specifically Sections 814.404 and 814.504, which allow beneficiaries of death benefits to assign part or all of these benefits directly to funeral directors or establishments for services rendered in connection with the member's death. This provision aims to ease the financial burden on beneficiaries by facilitating direct payments to service providers.

Contention

While the bill appears largely beneficial, there may be underlying concerns regarding the necessity of such assignments and the regulations surrounding them. Critics could argue that assignability may complicate the handling of death benefits and raise questions about the management and distribution of funds. Additionally, the board of trustees of the Employees Retirement System will need to establish clear rules regarding the processes for assigning benefits to prevent potential misuse and ensure compliance with any regulatory standards.