Bill > SB5016

This bill updates Washington state's laws concerning prearrangement funeral services to provide more flexibility and clarity for funeral establishments. The bill modifies existing definitions and regulations, specifically introducing two new terms: a "transportation protection agreement" (an arrangement focused on coordinating professional services related to transporting human remains) and clarifying the definition of a "prearrangement funeral service contract" to exclude merchandise delivered within 30 days of sale. The legislation adjusts trust requirements for funeral establishments, increasing the percentage of funds they can retain from 10% to 20% of the contract price and modifying trust deposit timelines. The bill also updates several administrative provisions, such as allowing funeral establishments to not trust funds for merchandise delivered quickly or for transportation protection agreements. The legislature's intent is to modernize requirements for prearrangement funeral services, recognizing that such services can help families by allowing individuals to plan and prepay for their funeral preferences, thereby reducing emotional and financial stress during a difficult time. Overall, the bill aims to provide more operational flexibility for funeral establishments while maintaining consumer protections.

Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5016&Year=2025&Initiative=false