The bill aims to modernize the regulations surrounding prearrangement funeral services in Washington State, recognizing the emotional and financial relief these services can provide to families. It introduces a new section that emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to plan and pay for their funeral services in advance. The bill amends existing laws, specifically RCW 18.39.010 and 18.39.250, to clarify definitions and requirements for funeral establishments offering prearrangement services. Notably, it specifies that a "prearrangement funeral service contract" does not include merchandise delivered within 30 days of sale or transportation protection agreements, and it introduces a new definition for "transportation protection agreement."

Additionally, the bill modifies the financial handling of prearrangement funeral service contracts. It allows funeral establishments to retain up to 20 percent of the cash purchase price for contracts, increases the percentage of the purchase price that must be placed in trust from 90 to 80 percent, and clarifies that funds for merchandise delivered within 30 days or for transportation protection agreements do not need to be placed in trust. The bill also outlines the conditions under which funds can be withdrawn from the trust and establishes requirements for transparency and accountability in the management of these funds, ensuring that they are not used for the benefit of the funeral establishment or its employees.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.39.010, 18.39.250