Authorizes the bureau of funeral directing, under the direction of the commissioner of health to investigate claims brought against any person, firm or corporation relating to moneys paid in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services; provides that the bureau of funeral directing has the legal authority to investigate and, after due process, levy fines and sanctions on any unlicensed individuals and/or unregistered entities that are falsely acting as or representing themselves to be licensed and/or registered funeral directors and/or funeral firms in violation of the public health law.
Impact
The introduction of A10861 would amend the general business law, specifically giving the bureau of funeral directing additional responsibilities to maintain oversight of the funeral industry. By enabling investigations into potential violations, the bill aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices and ensure that funeral service providers meet regulatory standards. As a result, the legislation may lead to increased transparency and accountability in the industry, with a focus on safeguarding the interests of families making end-of-life arrangements.
Summary
Bill A10861 aims to enhance consumer protection in the funeral industry by granting the bureau of funeral directing the authority to investigate claims related to moneys paid for funeral merchandise or services. This legislation is intended to ensure that individuals and entities involved in funeral services act within the legal framework and do not misrepresent their licenses. The bureau would be required to investigate such claims before any legal proceeding can be initiated by the attorney general, allowing for local consultation with district attorneys as part of the process.
Contention
Some concerns may arise regarding the implications of increased regulatory authority over funeral service providers. Opponents of such bills may argue that enhanced bureaucratic oversight could result in additional burdens placed on licensed funeral directors and firms. They may fear that the enforcement of such regulations could impede access to services during a sensitive time, thereby leading to unintended consequences for grieving families. Proponents, however, contend that this oversight is necessary to protect consumers from potential exploitation in a highly emotional and vulnerable context.
Same As
Authorizes the bureau of funeral directing, under the direction of the commissioner of health to investigate claims brought against any person, firm or corporation relating to moneys paid in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services; provides that the bureau of funeral directing has the legal authority to investigate and, after due process, levy fines and sanctions on any unlicensed individuals and/or unregistered entities that are falsely acting as or representing themselves to be licensed and/or registered funeral directors and/or funeral firms in violation of the public health law.
Authorizes the bureau of funeral directing, under the direction of the commissioner of health to investigate claims brought against any person, firm or corporation relating to moneys paid in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services; provides that the bureau of funeral directing has the legal authority to investigate and, after due process, levy fines and sanctions on any unlicensed individuals and/or unregistered entities that are falsely acting as or representing themselves to be licensed and/or registered funeral directors and/or funeral firms in violation of the public health law.
Enacts the "licensed funeral arranger act" under which a "licensed funeral arranger" license allows a funeral arranger to perform all acts permitted to a funeral director except embalming or any preservation of the body of a deceased person requiring embalming; creates a registration process under which registered transporters facilitate the removal and transportation of the bodies of deceased persons.
Enacts the "licensed funeral arranger act" under which a "licensed funeral arranger" license allows a funeral arranger to perform all acts permitted to a funeral director except embalming or any preservation of the body of a deceased person requiring embalming; creates a registration process under which registered transporters facilitate the removal and transportation of the bodies of deceased persons.
Authorizes funeral directing apprenticeships as an alternative to licensing examinations; requires such apprenticeships to be four-year programs led by licensing funeral directors; makes related provisions.
Designates the crime of disruption or disturbance of a religious service, funeral, burial or memorial service as disruption or disturbance of a religious service, funeral, burial or memorial service in the second degree and adds the crime of disruption or disturbance of a religious service, funeral, burial or memorial service in the first degree as a class E felony.
To Amend The Law Concerning The State Board Of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, And Burial Services; And To Increase The Civil Penalty For Violations By A Licensee.