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GA HB953
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/9/2012
Primary Sponsor
Chuck Sims
Click for details
AI Summary
- Authorizes electronic signatures (including electronic symbols or processes attached to a document) for preneed funeral and burial service contracts, in addition to manual, facsimile, and conformed signatures
- Expands the definition of "cremation" to include chemical and "other professionally accepted" processes beyond just mechanical and thermal methods, and broadens the definition of "funeral service" to explicitly include cremation and transportation
- Exempts funeral directors in full and continuous charge licensed by the Board of Funeral Service and licensed cemeterians from the requirement to separately register as preneed dealers, deeming them registered by virtue of their existing licenses
- Grants the State Board of Funeral Service oversight authority over funeral service preneed providers and persons selling burial/funeral merchandise, dividing regulatory responsibilities between the Board of Funeral Service and the Board of Cemeterians, with the Secretary of State retaining authority over fund regulation and investigations
- Creates a new trust fund framework (Code Section 10-14-7.1) allowing funeral establishments to hold 100% of preneed funds in individual trust accounts, with funds refundable minus taxes and a 3% administrative fee if services are not provided, and requires a $100 annual registration fee; effective date of July 1, 2012
Legislative Description
Funeral directors and cemeterians; allow electronic signatures for funeral services and related preneed contracts; modify provisions
Last Action
House Committee Favorably Reported
2/23/2012
Committee Referrals
Regulated Industries2/9/2012
Full Bill Text
No bill text available