$GAC-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Tony McCombie

HB 1987 aimed to raise civil penalties for embalmers and funeral directors from $500 to $1,000, enhancing compliance and potentially improving consumer protections in Arkansas.

Summary of House Bill 1987

Bill Number: HB 1987
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services; and to Increase the Civil Penalty for Violations by a Licensee
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: April 03, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1987 aimed to amend existing legislation governing the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services in Arkansas. The primary intent of the bill was to enhance regulatory oversight by increasing the civil penalties imposed on licensees for violations of the relevant laws and regulations.

Key Provisions

The bill proposed the following significant changes:

Increased Civil Penalties: The maximum civil penalty for violations by a licensee would be raised from $500 to $1,000 per violation. This change was intended to strengthen compliance with the laws governing the practices of embalmers, funeral directors, and related services.

Powers of the Board: The amendment to Arkansas Code § 23-61-1103(a)(6) clarified the powers and duties of the State Board, specifically allowing the board to suspend or revoke permits or licenses in addition to imposing civil penalties for non-compliance.

Affected Parties

The bill would have impacted:

Licensees: Embalmers, funeral directors, and operators of cemeteries and burial services in Arkansas would face stricter penalties for violations, potentially affecting their operational practices and compliance strategies.

Consumers: Increased penalties for violations could lead to improved standards and practices within the industry, ultimately benefiting consumers who rely on these services.

Legislative Timeline

April 03, 2025: Bill filed in the House.

April 04, 2025: First reading in the House; rules suspended for expedited consideration.

April 09, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.

April 10, 2025: Received in the Senate, read for the first time, and referred to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.

May 05, 2025: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

While HB 1987 sought to enhance regulatory measures and increase penalties for non-compliance within the funeral and burial services industry in Arkansas, it ultimately did not progress past the Senate Committee stage. The proposed changes reflected an effort to improve accountability and standards within the profession.