West Virginia House Bill HB4201

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/22
• Refer: 1/18/22

Caption

Authorizing the West Virginia Board of Funeral Service Examiners to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Fee Schedule

Impact

The passage of HB 4201 would impact state law by granting the West Virginia Board of Funeral Service Examiners increased authority to set and modify fee schedules associated with funeral services. This update could help address previous concerns regarding transparency and fairness in fee assessments, ultimately fostering public trust in funeral service operations. Moreover, it positions the board to adapt its regulations promptly in response to changing economic conditions or industry standards.

Summary

House Bill 4201 aims to authorize the West Virginia Board of Funeral Service Examiners to promulgate a legislative rule concerning its fee schedule. Specifically, the bill addresses 64-9-1 of the Code of West Virginia, which allows the board to establish rules that dictate the fees charged for various services related to funeral service practices. The bill is intended to provide clarity and consistency in how these fees are regulated and enforced across the state, ensuring that they align with the board's operational standards and community needs.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 4201 appears to be predominantly supportive, with stakeholders acknowledging the importance of having a structured fee schedule in the funeral service industry. Board members and practitioners in the funeral sector have expressed optimism about the bill's potential to improve regulatory oversight and maintain ethical billing practices among service providers. However, there may be concerns regarding the implications for consumers if fee increases occur as a result of newly authorized regulations.

Contention

While the bill seems to have garnered general support, there could be notable points of contention regarding how the fee schedule will be determined and what factors will be considered in establishing these fees. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on whether the fees reflect equitable access to funeral services across socioeconomic groups. The legislative rule-making process could also raise concerns about the board's responsiveness to public input and accountability in its fee-setting practices.