Bill > H234

This bill establishes a special commission to investigate and study consumer protections related to cemeteries and crematories, focusing on equitable costs for services. The commission will be co-chaired by the chairs of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure and will include members appointed by legislative leaders, a representative from the Executive Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, and representatives from the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association and the Massachusetts Cemetery Association. Their study will examine the range of costs for services, differences in pricing between private, public, religious, and secular cemeteries, and the separation of payment collection for cemetery and crematory services from funeral homes. The commission is tasked with reporting its findings and recommendations to the legislature by November 15, 2014.