PRINTER'S NO. 2916

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA


HOUSE BILL

No. 2347 Session of 1993


        INTRODUCED BY BUXTON, DeWEESE, EVANS, COY, CESSAR, LaGROTTA,
           LEDERER, MAYERNIK, TRELLO, LAUGHLIN, COLAFELLA, COWELL,
           GORDNER, MIHALICH, STABACK, BEBKO-JONES, SCRIMENTI,
           MICHLOVIC, RIEGER, OLASZ, CORRIGAN, CALTAGIRONE, JADLOWIEC,
           BARLEY, HUTCHINSON, NAILOR, TOMLINSON, CLYMER, DeLUCA, FARGO,
           CORNELL, TANGRETTI, GRUITZA AND PERZEL, DECEMBER 7, 1993

        REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS, DECEMBER 7, 1993

                                     AN ACT

     1  Providing for the regulation of preneed funeral and burial
     2     contracts; providing for powers and duties of the Office of
     3     Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection; creating
     4     funds; imposing penalties; and making repeals.

     5                         TABLE OF CONTENTS
     6  Section 1.  Short title.
     7  Section 2.  Definitions.
     8  Section 3.  Construction and application.
     9  Section 4.  Registration.
    10  Section 5.  Discrimination prohibited.
    11  Section 6.  Marketing and solicitation.
    12  Section 7.  General contract requirements.
    13  Section 8.  Specific contract requirements and disclosures.
    14  Section 9.  Cancellation.
    15  Section 10.  Credit life insurance.
    16  Section 11.  Funding methods for preneed contracts.
    17  Section 12.  Preneed trusts.

     1  Section 13.  Preneed insurance policies.
     2  Section 14.  Performance and substitution of preneed provider.
     3  Section 15.  Change in preneed provider's status.
     4  Section 16.  Substitution of trustee and trusts.
     5  Section 17.  Substitution of goods and services.
     6  Section 18.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Regulation
     7                 Fund.
     8  Section 19.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee Fund.
     9  Section 20.  Regulations.
    10  Section 21.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Advisory Board.
    11  Section 22.  Violations and enforcement.
    12  Section 23.  Repeals.
    13  Section 24.  Effective date.
    14     The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
    15  hereby enacts as follows:
    16  Section 1.  Short title.
    17     This act shall be known and may be cited as the Preneed
    18  Funeral and Burial Contract Regulation Act.
    19  Section 2.  Definitions.
    20     The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
    21  have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
    22  context clearly indicates otherwise:
    23     "Bureau of Consumer Protection."  The Bureau of Consumer
    24  Protection in the Office of Attorney General.
    25     "Buyer."  A person who enters into a preneed contract with a
    26  preneed provider. The term includes, where the buyer is
    27  different from the contract beneficiary and where the buyer
    28  predeceases him or her, the contract beneficiary or contract
    29  beneficiary's estate.
    30     "Contract beneficiary."  The person, who may be the buyer or
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     1  another person, whose funeral or burial is the subject of the
     2  preneed contract.
     3     "POD account."  A separate account in a financial institution
     4  also referred to as a burial reserve account for the deposit of
     5  all funds paid by buyer and created by and using both the
     6  buyer's and preneed provider's names and which is payable to the
     7  preneed provider only upon the death of the buyer.
     8     "Preneed contract."  An agreement for the provision of
     9  preneed goods, preneed services or both preneed goods and
    10  preneed services.
    11     "Preneed goods and services."  Goods or services typically
    12  sold or provided in connection with the final disposition of
    13  human remains, purchased in advance of need and not provided or
    14  delivered contemporaneously to a purchaser or bonded facility
    15  with execution of the contract. The term includes, but is not
    16  limited to, caskets or other primary containers, cremation or
    17  transportation containers, outer burial containers, vaults,
    18  grave liners, grave markers, funeral clothing or accessories,
    19  monuments, cremation urns, embalming, cremation, funeral
    20  directing or cemetery services and similar funeral or burial
    21  items.
    22     "Preneed insurance policy."  Any form of insurance or
    23  annuity, which is sold or utilized for the purpose of providing
    24  funding for a preneed contract, regardless of how named.
    25     "Preneed provider."  A funeral director licensed by the
    26  Commonwealth or a cemetery company registered by the
    27  Commonwealth and registered under section 4 to sell preneed
    28  contracts.
    29  Section 3.  Construction and application.
    30     (a)  Uniform Commercial Code.--The provisions of 13 Pa.C.S.
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     1  Div. 2 (relating to sales) shall apply to the interpretation and
     2  enforcement of preneed contracts.
     3     (b)  Fiduciary relationship.--A fiduciary relationship shall
     4  exist between a preneed provider and a buyer.
     5  Section 4.  Registration.
     6     (a)  Registration requirement.--A preneed provider shall not
     7  promote, sell or enter into a preneed contract without first
     8  obtaining a preneed registration from the Bureau of Consumer
     9  Protection. The registration must be renewed on an annual basis.
    10     (b)  Application.--A preneed provider seeking to obtain
    11  preneed registration shall submit a registration fee of $150 and
    12  an application on a form prescribed by the Bureau of Consumer
    13  Protection which contains the following:
    14         (1)  The types of preneed contracts to be written.
    15         (2)  The types of goods and services to be sold.
    16         (3)  The name, address and telephone number of the place
    17     of business of the preneed provider.
    18         (4)  The name, address, telephone number and Social
    19     Security number of each owner, officer or other official of
    20     the preneed provider or, if the preneed provider is a
    21     corporation, of the chief executive officer and all members
    22     of the board of directors.
    23         (5)  Any information deemed necessary by the Bureau of
    24     Consumer Protection to show evidence of good moral character,
    25     a reputation for fair dealing in business matters and the
    26     absence of a criminal record. The Bureau of Consumer
    27     Protection shall also have the right to require the applicant
    28     to submit a financial statement prepared by an accountant to
    29     establish financial stability.
    30     (c)  Individual registration.--A person shall not sell or
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     1  promote any preneed contract without first obtaining a preneed
     2  individual registration from the Bureau of Consumer Protection.
     3  The registration must be renewed on an annual basis. In addition
     4  to the registration required under this act, all cemetery
     5  salespersons must be licensed by the State Real Estate
     6  Commission and only funeral directors licensed by the State
     7  Board of Funeral Directors shall be authorized to sell preneed
     8  funeral service.
     9     (d)  Individual application.--A person seeking to obtain a
    10  preneed individual registration must be at least 21 years of age
    11  or older and must submit a registration fee of $50 and an
    12  application on a form prescribed by the Bureau of Consumer
    13  Protection which includes the following:
    14         (1)  The name, address, telephone number and Social
    15     Security number of the person.
    16         (2)  The name, business address and telephone number of
    17     the preneed provider for whom the person is authorized to
    18     sell preneed contracts and of all other preneed providers who
    19     will be providing goods and services under the contracts.
    20         (3)  Any information deemed necessary by the Bureau of
    21     Consumer Protection to show evidence of good moral character,
    22     a reputation for fair dealing in business matters and the
    23     absence of a criminal record.
    24         (4)  A photograph of the person taken within the last six
    25     months.
    26     (e)  Restrictions on individual registrants.--A person
    27  registered under this act must be an employee or agent of a
    28  preneed provider which holds a valid preneed provider
    29  registration and which can deliver the goods and services sold.
    30  The preneed provider shall be liable for the acts of its
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     1  employees and agents, independent or otherwise, performed in the
     2  course of obtaining or attempting to obtain a preneed contract.
     3     (f)  Display of registration.--Upon issuance, the preneed
     4  registration shall be posted conspicuously in the preneed
     5  provider's place of business.
     6     (g)  Outside solicitation.--A person registered under this
     7  act who engages in solicitation outside of the preneed
     8  provider's principal place of business shall present a copy of
     9  his registration and written authorization from the preneed
    10  provider upon entry onto the premises where the prospective
    11  buyer is being solicited.
    12     (h)  Notice of changes.--A preneed provider or person
    13  registered under this act must notify the Bureau of Consumer
    14  Protection within 30 days of any change of any information
    15  required by the Bureau of Consumer Protection for preneed
    16  registration.
    17     (i)  Fees.--A preneed provider or a person applying for
    18  preneed registration shall pay the Bureau of Consumer Protection
    19  an annual fee as set forth in section 4(b) and (d),
    20  respectively. The Bureau of Consumer Protection shall deposit
    21  all fees into the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Regulation
    22  Fund established under section 18.
    23     (j)  Denial and revocation of registration.--
    24         (1)  The Bureau of Consumer Protection shall not grant a
    25     preneed registration and may revoke any previously granted
    26     preneed registration if the Bureau of Consumer Protection
    27     finds that:
    28             (i)  the applicant or registrant is insolvent;
    29             (ii)  the applicant or registrant cannot provide the
    30         goods or services described in its application; or
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     1             (iii)  the applicant or registrant has engaged in a
     2         deceptive act or practice or has deliberately
     3         misrepresented or omitted a material fact relative to the
     4         sale of preneed contracts.
     5         (2)  The Bureau of Consumer Protection may exercise its
     6     discretion in determining whether to grant a registration if
     7     the provider:
     8             (i)  has failed to comply with any requirements of
     9         this act or any regulations promulgated under this act;
    10         or
    11             (ii)  has been convicted of any crime involving
    12         dishonesty or false statement.
    13  Section 5.  Discrimination prohibited.
    14     Preneed providers shall not discriminate against buyers on
    15  the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital
    16  status or sex.
    17  Section 6.  Marketing and solicitation.
    18     (a)  Solicitation of patients.--An agent or employee of a
    19  preneed provider shall not visit or call upon a patient in a
    20  hospital, convalescent or nursing home, rest home, charitable
    21  home for the aged, infirmary, intermediate care facility for
    22  persons with mental disabilities or other health care facility
    23  for the purpose of soliciting or inducing the patient to enter
    24  into any preneed contract, establish a preneed trust or purchase
    25  a preneed insurance policy, unless:
    26         (1)  the agent or employee has received a request from
    27     the patient or legal representative to do so prior to the
    28     date of the visit;
    29         (2)  the agent or employee displays the registration
    30     required by this act; and
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     1         (3)  the agent or employee explains at the beginning of
     2     the visit that the purpose of the visit is to persuade the
     3     patient to enter into a preneed contract or preneed insurance
     4     policy.
     5     (b)  Solicitation in the home.--An agent or employee of a
     6  preneed provider shall not visit or call upon any person in the
     7  person's home for the purpose of soliciting or inducing the
     8  person to enter into any preneed contract, establish a preneed
     9  trust or purchase a preneed insurance policy, unless:
    10         (1)  the agent or employee has received a request from
    11     the person or the person's legal representative to do so
    12     prior to the date of the visit;
    13         (2)  the agent or employee displays the registration
    14     required by this act; and
    15         (3)  the agent or employee explains at the beginning of
    16     the visit that the purpose of the visit is to persuade the
    17     person to enter into a preneed contract or preneed insurance
    18     policy.
    19     (c)  Telephone solicitation.--Telephone solicitation of
    20  preneed contracts and preneed insurance policies is permitted if
    21  all of the following conditions are met:
    22         (1)  The person calling clearly identifies himself and
    23     the product at the beginning of the communication.
    24         (2)  The person calling informs the prospective buyer at
    25     the beginning of the communication that the purpose of the
    26     call is to solicit the prospective buyer to enter into a
    27     preneed contract or insurance policy.
    28         (3)  The communication is terminated immediately upon any
    29     request to do so from the prospective buyer.
    30     (d)  Disclosure of information.--Upon beginning discussion of
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     1  any preneed contract, the preneed provider or its agent or
     2  employee must give the prospective buyer all information
     3  required by section 7. All prices on the lists must be the same
     4  as those for at-need funeral or burial goods and services at the
     5  preneed provider's establishment.
     6     (e)  Deceptive practices prohibited.--A preneed provider and
     7  its agents and employees shall not use any means, including
     8  advertisements, which are unfair, false, deceptive, misleading,
     9  coercive, intimidating or threatening.
    10     (f)  Interference with existing contract prohibited.--A
    11  preneed provider and its agents and employees shall not
    12  knowingly induce or attempt to induce any person to cancel or
    13  revoke any preexisting preneed contract, preneed trust or
    14  preneed insurance policy.
    15     (g)  Advertisements.--All advertisements of any kind of
    16  preneed contacts, preneed trusts or preneed insurance policies
    17  shall disclose the following information:
    18         (1)  The type of product which is to be used to fund the
    19     preneed contract.
    20         (2)  The nature of the relationship between the agent who
    21     solicits the purchase, the preneed provider, the buyer and
    22     the institution which will receive or hold any funds paid in
    23     connection with the purchase of the preneed contract.
    24  Section 7.  General contract requirements.
    25     (a)  Signing of contract.--Every preneed contract must be
    26  signed by a registered preneed provider.
    27     (b)  Waiver of required provisions void.--No provisions of
    28  any contract required by this act may be waived. Any attempted
    29  waiver is void.
    30     (c)  Required disclosures.--All preneed providers, even if
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     1  not required to do so by 16 CFR Part 453 (relating to funeral
     2  industry practices), must provide every prospective buyer of a
     3  preneed contract with all disclosures described in or required
     4  by the provisions of 16 CFR Part 453. For items covered by this
     5  act which are not covered by the provisions of 16 CFR Part 453,
     6  all preneed providers shall provide disclosures similar to those
     7  required by 16 CFR Part 453.
     8     (d)  Investment information.--With nonguaranteed plans, all
     9  preneed providers must disclose at the point of sale the
    10  following:
    11         (1)  where trust funds are invested and the current rate
    12     of return; or
    13         (2)  the names of the insurance company writing a life
    14     insurance policy to fund the preneed contract, the current
    15     rate of return and, with multiple payment plans, the fact
    16     that a comparison of premiums and benefits will be provided
    17     (Financial Review of this Policy) when the policy is mailed
    18     to the consumer.
    19  Section 8.  Specific contract requirements and disclosures.
    20     (a)  Plain language.--The provisions of the act of June 23,
    21  1993 (P.L.128, No.29), known as the Plain Language Consumer
    22  Contract Act, shall apply to preneed contracts.
    23     (b)  Identification of parties.--Each contract shall identify
    24  the preneed provider, the preneed provider's address, the
    25  telephone number, the registration number and the individual
    26  registration number of the salesperson and shall identify the
    27  buyer and the contract beneficiary, if other than the buyer, and
    28  set forth their addresses.
    29     (c)  Identification of services.--Each contract shall specify
    30  and itemize the services or goods, or both, to be provided and
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     1  contain a statement of the law regarding substitution in
     2  accordance with section 17. Goods shall be described in detail.
     3  The contract shall contain specifications of materials and
     4  construction and a description and the cost of each item as
     5  shown on the preneed provider's current price sheet. The price
     6  of all goods and services shall be itemized.
     7     (d)  Purchase price.--Each contract shall set forth the total
     8  purchase price and the terms under which it is to be paid,
     9  including any credit terms, if applicable.
    10     (e)  Method of funding.--
    11         (1)  Each contract shall state clearly whether it is
    12     funded or unfunded and, if it is funded, whether it is funded
    13     by a preneed trust fund or by a preneed insurance policy.
    14         (2)  The contract shall also state whether it is a
    15     guaranteed price contract in whole or in part or a
    16     nonguaranteed price contract.
    17     (f)  Guaranteed price contracts.--Each guaranteed price
    18  contract shall contain the following statement in 12-point bold
    19  type:
    20         This contract in whole or in part guarantees the buyer
    21         the specific goods and services contracted for. No
    22         additional charges shall be required for the items
    23         specified in the contract.
    24     (g)  Nonguaranteed price contracts.--Each nonguaranteed price
    25  contract shall contain the following statement in 12-point bold
    26  type:
    27         This contract does not guarantee the buyer any specific
    28         goods or services. Any funds paid under this contract may
    29         be only a deposit to be applied toward the final costs of
    30         the goods or services contracted for. Additional charges
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     1         may be required.
     2     (h)  Contract funded by preneed trust.--Each contract funded
     3  by a preneed trust shall contain the following:
     4         (1)  The name and address of the trustee.
     5         (2)  The amount of money to be placed in trust.
     6         (3)  The percentage and total amount paid on the preneed
     7     contract that the preneed provider will retain and not
     8     deposit into the preneed trust.
     9         (4)  An explanation of the disposition of the interest,
    10     including a statement of the fees, expenses and taxes which
    11     may be deducted from the interest under section 12.
    12         (5)  A statement of the buyer's responsibility for taxes
    13     owed on the interest.
    14     (i)  Contract funded by preneed insurance policy.--Each
    15  contract funded by a preneed insurance policy shall contain the
    16  following:
    17         (1)  The name of the company writing the insurance
    18     policy.
    19         (2)  Other disclosures required by section 13.
    20     (j)  Disclosure statement.--Each contract shall be
    21  accompanied by a disclosure statement containing the following:
    22         (1)  The name and address of the Bureau of Consumer
    23     Protection and the procedure for submitting complaints to the
    24     Bureau of Consumer Protection.
    25         (2)  A statement notifying the buyer of the $5 Preneed
    26     Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee Fund fee.
    27         (3)  The following statement of the buyer's cancellation
    28     rights under section 9(a) in 12-point bold type:
    29         You have the right to cancel this contract at any time
    30         during the first 30 days. If you do so, you must receive
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     1         back 100% of the money you have paid. If this contract is
     2         funded by a preneed insurance policy, you may have longer
     3         than 30 days to cancel and receive a full refund. Consult
     4         your insurance policy and attachments for information
     5         regarding your time to cancel.
     6         (4)  The following statement of the buyer's cancellation
     7     rights under section 9(b) in 12-point bold type:
     8         You have the right to cancel this contract at any time
     9         after the first 30 days. If you cancel a contract funded
    10         by a preneed trust, you will receive a refund of all the
    11         money placed in trust, plus any interest earned. Only
    12         reasonable administrative fees and any taxes you may have
    13         authorized to be paid from the interest may be deducted
    14         from this amount, as specified by law. If you cancel
    15         after 30 days, you will not receive a refund of the
    16         $.........(........%) that, by the terms of this
    17         agreement, is not placed in trust. If you cancel a
    18         contract funded by a preneed insurance policy after the
    19         time for a full refund, you may not want to cancel the
    20         insurance policy itself and you may want to change the
    21         beneficiary or assignee on the policy. Consult your
    22         contract and accompanying documents for information
    23         regarding the impact of cancellation of the contract and
    24         other changes.
    25         (5)  The following statement of the buyer's rights
    26     relating to funding methods in 12-point bold type:
    27         You have a right to fund this contract by any method that
    28         you choose. You may choose to fund this contract through
    29         your own investment, through a preneed trust account or
    30         through a life insurance policy or annuity, including any
    19930H2347B2916                 - 13 -

     1         preneed insurance policy that may be offered by the
     2         preneed provider. Sale of this contract cannot be
     3         conditioned on purchase of any insurance policy or
     4         annuity.
     5         (6)  A statement explaining the buyer's rights regarding
     6     changes in or relating to the funding method.
     7     (k)  Effect of insolvency of preneed provider.--Each contract
     8  shall contain the following provision:
     9         If the preneed provider is the subject of a bankruptcy or
    10         other insolvency proceedings, the preneed provider will
    11         be in default on this contract, and the full amount paid
    12         by the buyer under the contract, together with any
    13         interest or other earnings, less any reasonable
    14         administrative expenses or taxes already paid, will
    15         become immediately due and owing, without notice from the
    16         buyer.
    17     (l)  Preapproval of contract.--The preneed provider shall
    18  submit the form of the proposed contract to the Bureau of
    19  Consumer Protection prior to its use. Any contract which has not
    20  been approved by the Bureau of Consumer Protection is void.
    21  Section 9.  Cancellation.
    22     (a)  Cancellation within 30 days.--Any buyer may cancel a
    23  preneed contract within 30 days after all parties have signed
    24  the contract and shall receive 100% of all payments made under
    25  the contract. In the case of a preneed contract funded by a
    26  preneed insurance policy, the cancellation period under this
    27  subsection will continue until the latest of 30 days after
    28  delivery of the preneed insurance policy or expiration of the
    29  period for free cancellation of the policy under the terms of
    30  the policy or applicable law. No fee, surcharge, penalty or
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     1  liquidated damages may be imposed upon the right to cancel.
     2     (b)  Cancellation after 30 days.--Any buyer may cancel the
     3  contract at any time after the initial 30-day period and before
     4  performance by the preneed provider on the contract subject to
     5  the following conditions:
     6         (1)  In the case of a preneed contract funded by a
     7     preneed trust:
     8             (i)  where no irrevocable arrangement has been made,
     9         the buyer shall receive 100% of all moneys placed in
    10         trust under the contract and all accrued interest less
    11         reasonable trustee fees, administrative expenses and
    12         taxes; or
    13             (ii)  where an irrevocable arrangement has been made,
    14         the buyer shall have the right to change the beneficiary
    15         of the preneed trust to a substitute preneed provider.
    16         (2)  In the case of a preneed contract funded by a
    17     preneed insurance policy:
    18             (i)  where no irrevocable arrangement has been made,
    19         the buyer shall have the right to change beneficiaries of
    20         the policy or to cancel the policy and obtain the cash
    21         surrender value; or
    22             (ii)  where an irrevocable arrangement has been made,
    23         the buyer shall have the right to change the beneficiary
    24         of the policy to a substitute preneed provider.
    25     (c)  Return of amount owed buyer.--If the buyer cancels a
    26  preneed contract, the preneed provider shall return any amount
    27  owed to the buyer within 30 days of receiving notice of the
    28  cancellation.
    29     (d)  Notice of option to change beneficiary or assignee of
    30  policy.--If a buyer of a preneed contract funded by a preneed
    19930H2347B2916                 - 15 -

     1  insurance policy cancels the contract after the 30-day
     2  cancellation period, the insurance policy is not thereby
     3  canceled. The buyer shall be notified of the buyer's option to
     4  change the beneficiary or assignee of the policy by a notice
     5  sent to the buyer by the preneed provider within 30 days of
     6  receiving notice of the cancellation.
     7     (e)  Substitution of preneed provider.--If the contract
     8  beneficiary of a preneed contract moves or dies out of the
     9  service area of the preneed provider, the buyer or the contract
    10  beneficiary's estate may cancel the contract or substitute
    11  another who agrees to perform at any time before original
    12  preneed provider performance on the contract. If the contract is
    13  canceled after the 30-day cancellation period for this reason,
    14  in addition to the rights set out in subsection (b), the preneed
    15  provider shall return to the canceling party any amounts
    16  retained by the preneed provider under section 12. If another
    17  preneed provider agrees to perform, the original preneed
    18  provider shall transfer any amounts retained under section 12 to
    19  the substitute preneed provider.
    20  Section 10.  Credit life insurance.
    21     (a)  Option to purchase.--When the preneed contract is to be
    22  paid in installments, the preneed provider may make arrangements
    23  to offer the buyer the option to acquire and maintain credit
    24  life insurance on the life of the buyer. The insurance shall
    25  provide for the payment of death benefits to the preneed
    26  provider in an amount equal to the total of all contract
    27  payments unpaid as of the date of the buyer's death and shall be
    28  used solely to make those unpaid payments.
    29     (b)  Disclosure of costs.--All costs of the insurance shall
    30  be disclosed in clear language, and inquiry shall be made of the
    19930H2347B2916                 - 16 -

     1  buyer whether he or she understands the terms of the insurance
     2  contract and is aware of the total cost of the insurance.
     3     (c)  Required purchase prohibited.--Under no circumstances
     4  may the preneed provider require the buyer to purchase credit
     5  life insurance.
     6     (d)  Compliance with other laws.--Sale of a policy of credit
     7  life insurance shall in all other respects be in compliance with
     8  the act of September 2, 1961 (P.L.1232, No.540), known as the
     9  Model Act for the Regulation of Credit Life Insurance and Credit
    10  Accident and Health Insurance, and other applicable laws.
    11  Section 11.  Funding methods for preneed contracts.
    12     (a)  Option to fund.--The buyer must be given the option of
    13  funding the preneed contract with a trust and may choose not to
    14  fund the preneed contract. The preneed provider need not make
    15  arrangements to offer a preneed insurance policy as a funding
    16  option. A person may not change the method of funding the
    17  preneed contract without the buyer's written consent given after
    18  receipt of disclosures regarding the proposed new method of
    19  funding similar to those required by sections 8, 12 and 13.
    20     (b)  Trust account.--Within five business days of receipt,
    21  100% of the amount received in payment of a preneed contract,
    22  unless already used to purchase a preneed insurance policy,
    23  shall be deposited into a preneed trust account in a federally
    24  insured financial institution. The trust funds may be held in a
    25  separate account or a common fund. If held in a common fund,
    26  individual records shall be kept. The funds may not be used for
    27  any purpose except as authorized by this act and may not be
    28  deposited in any account other than the trust account.
    29     (c)  Purchase of a preneed insurance policy.--A preneed
    30  insurance policy may be purchased using the amounts received in
    19930H2347B2916                 - 17 -

     1  payment of the preneed contract at any time within the 30-day
     2  cancellation period. The buyer of the preneed contract funded by
     3  a preneed insurance policy purchased before expiration of the
     4  30-day cancellation period shall have 30 days from the time of
     5  payment of the premium for the insurance or annuity contract to
     6  cancel it without any penalty and shall be entitled to a full
     7  refund. The preneed provider shall provider the buyer with
     8  written notice of the extension of time to cancel
     9  contemporaneously with delivery of the policy. The notice shall
    10  be attached to the policy.
    11     (d)  Applicability.--This act shall not apply to the funding
    12  of a prearranged funeral or burial by the establishment of a POD
    13  account in a financial institution.
    14  Section 12.  Preneed trusts.
    15     (a)  Transfer of funds from trust account.--Funds received in
    16  payment of a preneed contract where the buyer has selected a
    17  trust as set forth in section 11(b) as the manner of funding the
    18  preneed contract shall be accounted for as follows:
    19         (1)  Five dollars shall be paid by the preneed provider
    20     on a monthly basis to the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract
    21     Guarantee Fund established under section 19.
    22         (2)  A minimum of 90% of the amount received in payment
    23     of a guaranteed price preneed contract shall remain in the
    24     trust fund in a federally insured financial institution. The
    25     preneed provider may receive up to 10% of the amount paid on
    26     the preneed contract but must disclose to the buyer the
    27     percentage and amount to be received.
    28         (3)  One hundred percent of the amount received in
    29     payment of a nonguaranteed price preneed contract shall be
    30     deposited into a trust fund in a federally insured financial
    19930H2347B2916                 - 18 -

     1     institution.
     2     (b)  Separate or common trust fund.--The trust funds may be
     3  held in a separate account or in a common trust fund. If held in
     4  a common fund, individual records shall be kept.
     5     (c)  Selection  of trustee.--The trustee of the fund may be
     6  anyone authorized under law to perform the functions of a
     7  trustee. Under no circumstances, however, may the preneed
     8  provider or any of its employees, agents or affiliates serve as
     9  the trustee. The contract beneficiary shall be the beneficiary
    10  of the trust.
    11     (d)  Fiduciary duties.--The trustee is subject to the
    12  fiduciary duties imposed by law.
    13     (e)  Form of trust account.--The preneed trust account may
    14  take the form of:
    15         (1)  a federally insured bank account within this
    16     Commonwealth; or
    17         (2)  any other form of investment within this
    18     Commonwealth which may lawfully be established or maintained
    19     by the trust department of the financial institution in which
    20     the preneed trust account is established.
    21     (f)  Conflict of interest.--The federally insured financial
    22  institution in which trust funds are held shall not be owned by
    23  a preneed provider having in excess of 10% of the outstanding
    24  stock or under the control of the preneed provider and shall not
    25  use any funds required to be held in trust to purchase an
    26  increase in any contract or agreement to which the preneed
    27  provider is a party, or otherwise to invest, directly or
    28  indirectly, in the preneed provider's business operation.
    29     (g)  Records.--The trustee shall maintain within this
    30  Commonwealth in the location specified in the preneed provider's
    19930H2347B2916                 - 19 -

     1  annual report to the Bureau of Consumer Protection a separate,
     2  written record for each preneed trust containing the following
     3  information:
     4         (1)  The name, address and telephone number of the
     5     preneed contract buyer.
     6         (2)  The name, address, telephone number, date of birth
     7     and Social Security number of the named trust beneficiary.
     8         (3)  The date on which the preneed trust was originally
     9     established and the amount of money originally deposited.
    10         (4)  The balance in the trust account, on a monthly
    11     basis.
    12         (5)  A description of the form and manner in which the
    13     trust funds are invested.
    14         (6)  A copy of the individual trust agreement or, in the
    15     case of a common or commingled trust account, a copy of the
    16     master trust agreement for the common account.
    17         (7)  Written documentation sufficient to demonstrate
    18     compliance with the requirements of sections 11 and 14 with
    19     respect to all changes in the terms or provisions of the
    20     trust.
    21     (h)  Common or commingled trust account.--In the case of any
    22  common or commingled preneed trust account, a separate written
    23  record which complies with the requirements of subsection (g)
    24  shall be maintained for each separate trust beneficiary.
    25     (i)  Notice of change of trustee.--The trustee and the
    26  preneed provider must notify the buyer, beneficiary and the
    27  Bureau of Consumer Protection if there is a change of trustee.
    28     (j)  Annual report by trustee.--The trustee shall provide the
    29  Bureau of Consumer Protection with an annual report of all funds
    30  deposited, interest earned, fees paid, withdrawals made and
    19930H2347B2916                 - 20 -

     1  disbursements after performance of contract obligations during
     2  the previous year. A copy of the Internal Revenue Service Form
     3  1099 shall be furnished to the preneed contract buyers annually.
     4     (k)  Trust income.--The income from the trust on all preneed
     5  contracts shall remain with the principal, but may be used to
     6  pay taxes, reasonable trustee fees and administrative expenses
     7  incurred in the administration of the trust. The Bureau of
     8  Consumer Protection shall, by rule, establish standards for the
     9  amount of fees and expenses which may be deducted from the
    10  income.
    11     (l)  Disbursement of trust funds.--No disbursement shall be
    12  made to a preneed provider unless the preneed provider has first
    13  certified to the trustee, on a form to be prescribed by the
    14  Bureau of Consumer Protection, that all obligations have been
    15  performed and all goods and services required by the preneed
    16  contract have been delivered. The certification shall contain an
    17  itemization of the goods and services that it has provided. The
    18  amount of the disbursement to a preneed provider shall be as
    19  follows:
    20         (1)  On a guaranteed price contract, the actual price of
    21     the items in the preneed contract, as reflected on the
    22     preneed provider's current price list.
    23         (2)  On a nonguaranteed price contract, the actual price
    24     of the items in the preneed contract, as reflected on the
    25     preneed provider's current price list.
    26     (m)  Remaining amount.--At the time of disbursement, any
    27  amount remaining after disbursement and the payment of trustee
    28  fees, administrative expenses and taxes shall be returned to the
    29  estate of the buyer.
    30     (n)  Periodic audits.--The Bureau of Consumer Protection
    19930H2347B2916                 - 21 -

     1  shall order periodic audits of the trust funds with such audits
     2  occurring at least once every three years. The cost of the
     3  audits shall be borne by the preneed provider.
     4  Section 13.  Preneed insurance policies.
     5     (a)  Transfer of funds.--Funds received in payment of a
     6  preneed contract where the buyer has selected a preneed
     7  insurance policy as the manner of funding the preneed contract
     8  shall be distributed as follows:
     9         (1)  Five dollars to the Preneed Funeral and Burial
    10     Contract Guarantee Fund established under section 19.
    11         (2)  The remaining amount shall be used to purchase the
    12     preneed insurance policy.
    13     (b)  Requiring insurance prohibited.--A preneed provider
    14  shall not require a buyer to purchase any insurance policy as a
    15  condition of entering into any preneed funeral contract.
    16     (c)  Sale of insurance.--A person who sells or offers to sell
    17  a preneed insurance policy as a manner to fund a preneed
    18  contract must be licensed by the Insurance Department to sell
    19  insurance in this Commonwealth.
    20     (d)  Rating of insurance company.--The preneed provider must
    21  disclose to the buyer the ratings of the insurance company from
    22  which the preneed insurance policy is to be purchased and
    23  furnish the buyer with a meaningful key to interpret the ratings
    24  before the preneed contract is signed.
    25     (e)  Required disclosures.--If a preneed insurance policy is
    26  used to fund a preneed contract, before the contract is signed,
    27  the following must be disclosed:
    28         (1)  The fact that a preneed insurance policy is being
    29     used to fund payment of the total purchase price of the
    30     preneed contract.
    19930H2347B2916                 - 22 -

     1         (2)  The nature of the relationship among the individuals
     2     selling the preneed contract, the preneed provider, the
     3     insurer and any other person.
     4         (3)  The relationship of the preneed insurance policy to
     5     the funding of the preneed contract and the nature and
     6     existence of any guarantees relating to the preneed contract.
     7         (4)  The impact on the preneed contract, including any
     8     penalties, restrictions, entitlements or obligations,
     9     resulting from:
    10             (i)  any changes in the policy, including, but not
    11         limited to, changes in the assignment, beneficiary
    12         designation or use of the proceeds;
    13             (ii)  the policyholder's failure to make premium
    14         payments;
    15             (iii)  cancellation or surrender of the preneed
    16         policy by the policyholder;
    17             (iv)  any difference at the time of delivery between
    18         the proceeds of the policy and the amount actually needed
    19         to fund the preneed contract;
    20             (v)  the death of the contract beneficiary in a
    21         location not within the preneed provider's service area,
    22         which area shall be determined by the buyer; and
    23             (vi)  the inability of the preneed provider to
    24         perform on the preneed contract.
    25         (5)  The impact on the insurance policy of the buyer's
    26     cancellation of the preneed contract, the cash surrender
    27     value of the policy at yearly intervals and the option of the
    28     buyer to change the beneficiary of the policy if the preneed
    29     contract is canceled.
    30     (f)  Financial information.--If a preneed insurance policy
    19930H2347B2916                 - 23 -

     1  limits death benefits during a period following the inception
     2  date of the policy or where the accumulated premiums exceed the
     3  death benefit at any point during the first ten years, then a
     4  form entitled "Financial Review of this Policy" or a form
     5  containing substantially similar information and approved by the
     6  Insurance Commissioner shall be completed by the insurer and
     7  delivered simultaneously with the policy. In such a case, the
     8  cancellation period shall be extended by 10 days.
     9     (g)  Required notice.--Prior to taking an application for a
    10  policy which is subject to the disclosure requirements of
    11  subsection (h), the insurer must provide the applicant with a
    12  conspicuous notice in the following form or in a form containing
    13  substantially similar information approved by the Insurance
    14  Commissioner.
    15                           NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
    16         With your policy, you will receive a form entitled
    17         "Financial Review of this Policy," showing premiums and
    18         benefits for a ten-year period. You should review the
    19         form along with your policy and decide whether the policy
    20         is suitable for you. If you are not entirely satisfied,
    21         please review the cancellation provision on the form for
    22         directions on obtaining a full refund of any premiums
    23         paid.
    24     (h)  Payment to preneed provider.--Payment of the proceeds of
    25  a preneed insurance policy shall not be made to a preneed
    26  provider unless the preneed provider has first certified to the
    27  insurance company, on a form to be prescribed by the Bureau of
    28  Consumer Protection, that all obligations have been performed
    29  and that all goods and services required by the preneed contract
    30  have been delivered. The certification shall contain an
    19930H2347B2916                 - 24 -

     1  itemization of the goods and services that the preneed provider
     2  has supplied.
     3     (i)  Remaining proceeds.--At the time of payment of the
     4  proceeds of the policy, any proceeds remaining after payment to
     5  the preneed provider for performance of the contract shall be
     6  returned to the estate of the buyer.
     7     (j)  Application of act to insurance and annuities.--The
     8  requirements of this act relating to preneed insurance policies
     9  shall apply to any and all forms of insurance or annuities which
    10  are sold or utilized for the purpose of providing funding for a
    11  preneed burial contract, regardless of how named.
    12     (k)  Construction of act.--This act shall not be construed as
    13  regulating the business of insurance.
    14  Section 14.  Performance and substitution of preneed provider.
    15     (a)  Full and partial performance.--A preneed provider is
    16  only entitled to payment of funds from the preneed trust or
    17  preneed insurance policy if the contract has been fully
    18  performed. If the preneed provider who is a party to the preneed
    19  contract has delivered or performed only a portion of the goods
    20  and services under the contract, the funds shall be allocated as
    21  provided in subsection (d).
    22     (b)  Inability to fully perform.--If the preneed provider is
    23  unable to fully perform the contract, the buyer may:
    24         (1)  cancel the contract under section 9; or
    25         (2)  either the preneed provider or the buyer may
    26     substitute a different preneed provider for all or part of
    27     the contract, if both the buyer and the substitute preneed
    28     provider agree.
    29     (c)  Complete inability to perform.--If the preneed provider
    30  is completely unable to perform the contract, the preneed
    19930H2347B2916                 - 25 -

     1  provider shall return any amount the preneed provider has kept
     2  from the amounts paid under the contract to:
     3         (1)  the substitute preneed provider, if one is agreed
     4     upon; or
     5         (2)  the buyer, if the buyer chooses to cancel the
     6     contract.
     7     (d)  Allocation of contract price.--If the original preneed
     8  provider is able to perform only part of the contract and the
     9  buyer and a substitute preneed provider agree to the substitute
    10  preneed provider's performance of the remainder of the contract,
    11  the preneed provider named in the contract and the substitute
    12  preneed provider shall each be entitled to a total compensation
    13  in an amount that is proportional to the contract price of the
    14  goods and services that were provided by each. The amount that
    15  the original preneed provider shall receive from the funds of
    16  the preneed trust or the preneed insurance policy shall be
    17  reduced by the amount that it received from the contract
    18  payments prior to the placement of any sums in trust or purchase
    19  of the preneed insurance policy.
    20  Section 15.  Change in preneed provider's status.
    21     (a)  Notice prior to cessation of business.--A preneed
    22  provider must notify the buyer of a preneed contract, the
    23  trustee of a preneed trust and the Bureau of Consumer Protection
    24  of a proposed cessation of business by the preneed provider at
    25  least 30 days prior to the effective date of cessation of
    26  business. Notice must be in writing by certified mail, return
    27  receipt requested.
    28     (b)  Notice of transfer of ownership.--A preneed provider
    29  must notify the buyer of a preneed contract, the trustee of a
    30  preneed trust and the Bureau of Consumer Protection of any
    19930H2347B2916                 - 26 -

     1  transfer of ownership or sale or assignment of any assets or
     2  stock within ten days after the transfer, sale or assignment.
     3  Notice must be in writing by certified mail, return receipt
     4  requested.
     5     (c)  Cancellation by buyer.--If the preneed provider ceases
     6  business or transfers ownership and if the buyer chooses to
     7  cancel within 30 days of receipt of notice of the action, the
     8  buyer shall be entitled to a return of any amounts retained by
     9  the preneed provider from the payments on the preneed contract,
    10  in addition to the amounts the buyer would be entitled to under
    11  section 9.
    12     (d)  Notice of bankruptcy proceeding.--If the preneed
    13  provider makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or
    14  enters into any other debt reorganization plan or is the subject
    15  of any bankruptcy or receivership proceeding, the preneed
    16  provider shall notify the buyer, the trustee of a preneed trust
    17  and the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the action and shall
    18  send the buyer an explanation of how the buyer's rights and
    19  obligations under the preneed contract will be affected. Notice
    20  must be in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested.
    21     (e)  Assignment of contract.--If the preneed provider is for
    22  any reason unable, unwilling or is relieved of its
    23  responsibility to perform on the preneed contract, the Bureau of
    24  Consumer Protection, with the buyer's permission, may order that
    25  the contract be assigned to a substitute preneed provider.
    26     (f)  Qualifications of substitute preneed provider.--A
    27  substitute preneed provider must be licensed by the Commonwealth
    28  and registered as a preneed provider. A substitute preneed
    29  provider must agree to accept assignment of the preneed
    30  contract.
    19930H2347B2916                 - 27 -

     1  Section 16.  Substitution of trustee and trusts.
     2     The trustee of any preneed trust may transfer the funds held
     3  in trust to another trust or a new trustee may be substituted,
     4  only upon written notice sent certified mail, return receipt
     5  requested to the buyer, the Bureau of Consumer Protection and
     6  the preneed provider. Notice shall be sent ten days prior to the
     7  transfer or substitution.
     8  Section 17.  Substitution of goods and services.
     9     (a)  Unavailability of goods and services specified in
    10  contract.--If the particular goods and services specified in the
    11  contract are unavailable at the time of delivery, the preneed
    12  provider shall furnish without additional charge goods and
    13  services similar in style and at least equal in quality of
    14  material and workmanship.
    15     (b)  Evaluation of substitute goods and services.--The
    16  evaluation of style and quality shall be based on objective
    17  criteria set forth in the contract, as required by section 8.
    18     (c)  Selection of substitute goods and services.--The person
    19  or persons making arrangements for the funeral of the deceased
    20  contract beneficiary shall choose the goods and services to be
    21  substituted, and this choice must be reasonably based on the
    22  standards in subsections (a) and (b). In such case, the person
    23  making the funeral arrangements shall be given all the
    24  disclosures required by section 7(c).
    25  Section 18.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Regulation
    26                 Fund.
    27     There shall be established within the State Treasury a
    28  separate restricted account to be known as the Preneed Funeral
    29  and Burial Contract Regulation Fund into which moneys collected
    30  under sections 4(i) and 22(a) shall be deposited for use by the
    19930H2347B2916                 - 28 -

     1  Bureau of Consumer Protection in administering and enforcing
     2  this act.
     3  Section 19.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee Fund.
     4     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby established within the
     5  State Treasury a separate interest-bearing, nonlapsing,
     6  restricted account known as the Preneed Funeral and Burial
     7  Contract Guarantee Fund into which moneys collected under
     8  subsection (b) shall be deposited.
     9     (b)  Deposit of fees.--Each preneed provider shall pay a fee
    10  of $5 out of the funds received for each preneed contract and
    11  shall forward the fee to the Bureau of Consumer Protection no
    12  later than the last business day of each month. The contract
    13  shall be recorded by the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Within
    14  ten days after receiving the fee, the Bureau of Consumer
    15  Protection shall notify the contract buyer by mail of the
    16  recording. The fees shall be placed by the Bureau of Consumer
    17  Protection in the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee
    18  Fund, which shall be under the control of the Bureau of Consumer
    19  Protection, and the income on the fees shall accrue to the fund.
    20  Moneys in the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee Fund
    21  may be expended to purchase insurance to cover losses guaranteed
    22  by the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee Fund.
    23     (c)  Submission of claim.--In the event the buyer of any
    24  preneed funeral contract is unable to receive the benefits of
    25  the buyer's contract or to receive the funds due by reason of
    26  cancellation of the contract, the buyer may submit a claim to
    27  the Bureau of Consumer Protection on a form supplied by the
    28  Bureau of Consumer Protection. Upon a finding by the Bureau of
    29  Consumer Protection that the benefits or return of money paid to
    30  the preneed provider is not available to the buyer, the Bureau
    19930H2347B2916                 - 29 -

     1  of Consumer Protection will cause payment to be made to the
     2  buyer from the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee
     3  Fund. In all such cases the Bureau of Consumer Protection shall
     4  be subrogated to the buyer's claims against the preneed provider
     5  for any amounts paid from the Preneed Funeral and Burial
     6  Contract Guarantee Fund.
     7     (d)  Payment of award by court.--If the preneed provider's
     8  liability for default is subsequently proven, any award made by
     9  a court of law up to the amount paid to the buyer shall be made
    10  payable to the Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Guarantee
    11  Fund.
    12  Section 20.  Regulations.
    13     The Bureau of Consumer Protection may adopt, after public
    14  hearing, such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the
    15  enforcement and administration of this act.
    16  Section 21.  Preneed Funeral and Burial Contract Advisory Board.
    17     (a)  Establishment.--There is hereby created a Preneed
    18  Funeral and Burial Contract Advisory Board to advise the Bureau
    19  of Consumer Protection regarding the promulgation of regulations
    20  for the administration and enforcement of this act and on all
    21  matters relating to preneed burial contracts.
    22     (b)  Composition.--The board shall be comprised of the
    23  following:
    24         (1)  Two members representing funeral directors.
    25         (2)  Two members representing cemetery companies.
    26         (3)  Two members representing senior citizens.
    27         (4)  One member representing a consumer interest
    28     organization.
    29     (c)  Appointment of members.--The Director of the Bureau of
    30  Consumer Protection or a designee shall chair the advisory board
    19930H2347B2916                 - 30 -

     1  and shall appoint the members.
     2     (d)  Term of members.--All members shall be appointed for a
     3  period of two years, except that one-half of the initial members
     4  shall serve for three years.
     5     (e)  Meetings.--The board shall meet at times fixed by the
     6  Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, but not less than
     7  once per year.
     8     (f)  Annual report.--The board shall prepare an annual report
     9  of its activities and shall submit the report to the Consumer
    10  Protection and Professional Licensure Committee of the Senate
    11  and the Consumer Affairs Committee of the House of
    12  Representatives.
    13  Section 22.  Violations and enforcement.
    14     (a)  Penalty.--It is a violation of this act for a person to
    15  engage in the sale of preneed contracts without complying with
    16  the requirements of this act. Violation of this act by a preneed
    17  provider is grounds for disciplinary action by its licensing
    18  authority. Any person or any preneed provider who violates this
    19  act shall pay a civil penalty of not less than $1,000 nor more
    20  than $5,000 for each violation.
    21     (b)  Unfair trade practice.--A violation of this act
    22  constitutes a violation of the act of December 17, 1968
    23  (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and
    24  Consumer Protection Law.
    25     (c)  Private right of action.--A buyer shall have a private
    26  right of action against any person who violates this act. In
    27  addition to an action for violation of this act, if any preneed
    28  provider fails to perform on a preneed contract, the buyer shall
    29  also have a cause of action for breach of contract and damages
    30  under 13 Pa.C.S. Div. 2 (relating to sales), including
    19930H2347B2916                 - 31 -

     1  incidental and consequential damages. Any buyer who prevails in
     2  an action brought for a violation of this act shall be awarded
     3  reasonable attorney fees and costs of the action. In an action
     4  for violation of any provision of this act, the buyer has a
     5  right to inspect and copy any documents relative to the action
     6  in the possession of the Bureau of Consumer Protection or any
     7  other agency involved in the investigation or enforcement of
     8  this act.
     9     (d)  Investigation and enforcement.--The Bureau of Consumer
    10  Protection has the primary responsibility and power to
    11  investigate and enforce the provisions of this act. In so doing,
    12  the Bureau of Consumer Protection shall coordinate and work with
    13  any other agency that has jurisdiction over any matter relating
    14  to this act.
    15     (e)  Employment of counsel and staff.--The Bureau of Consumer
    16  Protection shall, using the fees collected under section 4(i)
    17  and the penalties collected under subsection (a), employ
    18  qualified legal counsel and other staff to monitor, investigate,
    19  audit and otherwise be responsible for the enforcement of this
    20  act.
    21     (f)  Referral for criminal prosecution.--If the Bureau of
    22  Consumer Protection believes that grounds exist for the criminal
    23  prosecution of persons subject to this act, the Bureau of
    24  Consumer Protection shall forward to the Attorney General all
    25  evidence and other information for prosecution of the case. If
    26  the Bureau of Consumer Protection believes that any person or
    27  preneed provider has violated any other statute or regulation,
    28  the Bureau of Consumer Protection shall forward to the
    29  appropriate agency all evidence and other information relating
    30  to the alleged violation.
    19930H2347B2916                 - 32 -

     1     (g)  Powers of the Bureau of Consumer Protection.--The Bureau
     2  of Consumer Protection shall have all powers necessary for the
     3  administration and enforcement of this act, including, but not
     4  limited to, the power to:
     5         (1)  investigate and require production of documents
     6     relating to any preneed contract, preneed funds or preneed
     7     insurance policy;
     8         (2)  hold hearings and require the appearance of any
     9     person;
    10         (3)  issue cease and desist orders;
    11         (4)  issue restitution orders;
    12         (5)  apply to the court for a receivership;
    13         (6)  apply to the court for injunctions and temporary
    14     restraining orders; and
    15         (7)  suspend or revoke certification.
    16     (h)  Records and audit.--Every preneed provider shall keep
    17  its accounts and records according to generally recognized
    18  accounting methods.
    19     (i)  Annual report.--Every preneed provider shall file with
    20  the Bureau of Consumer Protection an annual report on a form
    21  prescribed by the Bureau of Consumer Protection, containing the
    22  following information:
    23         (1)  All information required in the application for
    24     registration to sell preneed contracts.
    25         (2)  The total amount of all funds deposited in preneed
    26     trusts or used to pay for preneed insurance policies for that
    27     year, on an annual and quarterly basis.
    28         (3)  The total amount of all funds outstanding in preneed
    29     trusts or in preneed insurance contracts, on an annual and
    30     quarterly basis.
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     1         (4)  The total number and amount of preneed contracts
     2     sold, on an annual and quarterly basis.
     3         (5)  The total number and amount of preneed contracts
     4     outstanding, on an annual and quarterly basis.
     5         (6)  The total amount of money received that year, on an
     6     annual and quarterly basis, from the sale of preneed
     7     contracts sold in the past year and sold in previous years.
     8         (7)  The total amount of money received that year, on an
     9     annual and quarterly basis, from the interest or other
    10     earnings, commissions or other fees from preneed contracts
    11     sold in the past year and sold in previous years.
    12         (8)  The names and addresses of the buyer and contract
    13     beneficiary, if different from the buyer, of each contract
    14     sold within the last year and the amount of each.
    15         (9)  The funding methods used for the preneed contracts
    16     sold in the last year by the preneed provider and the
    17     percentage of contracts, by both amount and number, funded by
    18     each method.
    19         (10)  The number and amount of any withdrawals from, or
    20     any changes of status of, any preneed trust account.
    21         (11)  The names and addresses of each financial
    22     institution, investment company, insurance company or other
    23     party involved in the funding of preneed contracts by the
    24     preneed provider.
    25         (12)  The location of the preneed provider's
    26     establishment and any trustee's accounts and other records.
    27     (j)  Individual records.--Every preneed provider shall keep
    28  individual records for each preneed contract sold. These records
    29  shall contain the following information:
    30         (1)  The name and address of each buyer.
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     1         (2)  The name, address, telephone number and Social
     2     Security number of each contract beneficiary.
     3         (3)  The date and total amount of each contract.
     4         (4)  If the contract is funded by a preneed trust:
     5             (i)  the date the trust was originally established;
     6             (ii)  the amount originally deposited;
     7             (iii)  the balance in the trust account, on a monthly
     8         basis;
     9             (iv)  a description of the form and manner in which
    10         the funds are invested;
    11             (v)  a copy of the trust agreement or master trust
    12         agreement if accounts are commingled; and
    13             (vi)  the name and address of the trustee and the
    14         financial institution establishing the trust.
    15         (5)  If the contract is funded by a preneed insurance
    16     policy:
    17             (i)  the date the policy was purchased;
    18             (ii)  the amount paid for the policy; and
    19             (iii)  the name and address of the insurance company.
    20         (6)  Written documentation to demonstrate compliance with
    21     the requirements for any changes in the terms or provisions
    22     of any trust or in the method of funding the contract.
    23     (k)  Location of records.--All records kept by a preneed
    24  provider, trustee or insurance company relating to any preneed
    25  contract shall be kept within this Commonwealth.
    26  Section 23.  Repeals.
    27     (a)  Absolute.--The following acts and parts of acts are
    28  repealed:
    29     Section 13(c) of the act of January 14, 1952 (1951 P.L.1898,
    30  No.522), known as the Funeral Director Law.
    19930H2347B2916                 - 35 -

     1     Act of August 14, 1963 (P.L.1059, No.459), entitled "An act
     2  prohibiting future need sales of cemetery merchandise and
     3  services, funeral merchandise and services, except under certain
     4  conditions; requiring the establishment of and deposit into a
     5  merchandise trust fund of certain amount of the proceeds of any
     6  such sale; providing for the administration of such trust funds
     7  and the payment of money therefrom; conferring powers and
     8  imposing duties on orphans' courts, and prescribing penalties."
     9     (b)  General.--All other acts and parts of acts are repealed
    10  insofar as they are inconsistent with this act.
    11  Section 24.  Effective date.
    12     This act shall take effect in 60 days.












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