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History
- Ordered to third reading cal.1013
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides alternative pricing methods in the sale and offering of funeral merchandise and services; provides for the repeal after one year
In Assembly Committee · Rules · Sponsor Darryl Towns
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the alternative pricing methods in the sale and offering of funeral merchandise and services; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to allow New York State funeral homes to offer a package of goods and services, as long as the pricing for each good/service is itemized. The legislation also asks the Consumer Protection Board to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the implementation of package pricing in New York State.
Summary of specific provisions
This bill would allow New York State funeral homes to offer an itemized package of goods and services. The package prices must be broken down and listed by the component parts. Monuments and memorials as defined in paragraph (b) of section 454 of the General Business Law would be exempt from the provisions of this Act.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Board shall, within one year, study the effectiveness of this act and present its findings in a report to the Governor and the Legislature.
Justification
Forty-nine states and the Federal Trade Commission recognize and allow funeral directors to offer package funeral services to all consumers. Only New York State restricts pricing information solely to an itemized list for consumers other than members of not-for-profit corporations.
This bill would allow funeral homes to conduct a price packaging for consumers, as long as it done so on an itemized basis. The legislation will also require the Consumer Protection board to enact a one-year study of package pricing in New York State. The Consumer Protection Board would be required to review any complaints or issues relating to the implementation of package pricing and report the findings to the Governor and the Legislature within one year.
This bill would allow consumers to have an opportunity to choose only the specific itemized services they need or desire or to choose additional services at a package price. Consumer protection would be maintained as any funeral home that would offer package pricing must also provide customers the option to purchase goods and services on an itemized basis. Monuments and memorials would be exempt from this Act.
All regulations of the Department of Health as well as the Federal Trade Commission regarding consumer protection would be maintained.
Prior legislative history
S.5249 (2008) - 05/15/08: advanced to third reading; cal. 981
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
60 days after enactment and shall be repealed in one year.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.