SRC-SLL H.B. 1672 75(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center H.B. 1672 By: Janek (Ellis) Jurisprudence 5-14-97 Engrossed DIGEST Since 1984, federal regulation of the funeral industry has been vested with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC proposed changes designed to better inform consumers of their various rights and options when arranging a funeral. Currently, both Texas and federal law require that nearly identical disclosures be printed verbatim on the same documents. This duplication has proven to be very confusing to families making funeral arrangements. This bill will provide new regulations regarding the requirements of a price list and a memorandum for funeral merchandise and services. PURPOSE As proposed, H.B. 1672 provides new regulations regarding the requirements of a price list and a memorandum for funeral merchandise and services. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Sections 1(S) and (T), Article 4582b, V.T.C.S., to redefine "retail price list" and "general price list." Requires the list to contain the following printed notice: "The goods and services shown below are those we can provide to our customers. You may choose only the items you desire. However, any funeral arrangements you select will include a charge for our basic services and overhead. If legal or other requirements mean you must buy any items you did not specifically ask for, we will explain the reason in writing on the statement we provide describing the funeral goods and services you selected." Deletes existing text regarding a statement in the list on goods and services charged. Redefines "written memorandum" and "funeral purchase agreement." Requires the memorandum to include the following printed notice: "Charges are only for those items that you selected or that are required. If we are required by law or by a cemetery or crematory to use any items, we will explain the reasons in writing below." Deletes existing text regarding a statement in the memorandum regarding charges for items used. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 1997. SECTION 3. Emergency clause.