Bill > HB1005

This bill addresses prearrangement funeral services by modernizing the requirements for funeral establishments offering advance funeral planning. The legislation recognizes that prearranging funeral services can help families avoid emotional and financial hardships during a difficult time. Key provisions include expanding the definition of "prearrangement funeral service contract" to exclude merchandise delivered within 30 days and introducing a new term "transportation protection agreement" for professional services related to transporting human remains. The bill modifies trust requirements for funeral establishments, increasing the percentage of funds that can be retained from 10% to 20% and changing the required trust deposit percentage from 90% to 80% of the contract's cash purchase price. It also clarifies that funeral establishments are not required to place trust funds for merchandise delivered quickly or for transportation protection agreements. Additional changes include provisions for contract cancellation, refund rights, and protections for consumers, such as requiring contracts to clearly explain trust details, refund policies, and revocability. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for funeral establishments while maintaining consumer protections in the prearrangement funeral service industry.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1005&Year=2025&Initiative=false