The bill aims to modernize the regulations surrounding prearrangement funeral services in Washington State, recognizing the emotional and financial burdens families face when planning funerals. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the importance of prearrangement funeral service contracts, which allow individuals to plan and pay for their funeral services in advance. The bill amends existing laws to clarify definitions related to funeral services, including the terms "prearrangement funeral service contract" and "transportation protection agreement," and specifies that certain types of merchandise and agreements are excluded from these contracts.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for funeral establishments that sell prearrangement funeral service contracts. It allows funeral establishments to retain up to 20% of the cash purchase price of each contract and reduces the percentage of the purchase price that must be placed in trust from 90% to 80%. The bill also stipulates that funds received for funeral merchandise delivered within 30 days or for transportation protection agreements do not need to be placed in trust. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for funeral establishments while ensuring that consumers' prearrangement contracts are honored and protected.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.39.010, 18.39.250