Legislative/PAC

86th Legislative Session 

If you aren’t at the table, you’re probably on the menu.

 

Funeral professionals across the state are well aware of the fact that many significant decisions affecting their day-to-day businesses are made by the Texas Legislature.

 

During the 2017 session, more than 6,500 bills or resolutions were introduced, many of which would directly or indirectly affect the funeral industry in some way. By the end of the session, over 1,200 bills or resolutions were signed into law. There is every reason to believe the 86th Session will be similar. At TFDA, we closely monitor the activities of the legislature to ensure our industry is well represented.

 

Our Legislative Committee and Lobby Team work diligently to place legislation into one of three categories:

  • Support – the Association will attempt to find a sponsor, will provide testimony and/or lobby for passage
  • Oppose – the Association will work to defeat the initiative, as it is detrimental or non-productive for our industry and members
  • No position – the Association will monitor but pursue no action

 

Currently monitored legislation:

 

HB 1290           Author: Raymond        Relating to the Texas Funeral Service Commission

This bill primarily addresses the recommendations of the 2019 Sunset Commission review.

 

HB 456             Author: Allen               Relating to the enforcement of regulations governing cemetery organizations, cemetery operations, cemeteries, and crematories; imposing penalties.

Prohibits discrimination based on a number of protected classes, provides civil penalties.

 

HB 515             Author: Bailes             Relating to the establishment and operation of certain private family cemeteries.

Provides exemptions to certain types of private and family cemeteries.

 

HB 773             Author: Davis, S           Relating to the cremation of human remains by alkaline hydrolysis.

Redefines “cremation” and “crematory” to include alkaline hydrolysis as part of the statute.

 

SB 259             Author: Rodriguez       Relating to the disposition and removal of a decedent’s remains.

Amends code in relation to Appointment For Disposition of Remains.

 

SB 60               Author: Zaffirini          Relating to the enforcement of regulations governing cemetery organizations, cemetery corporations, cemeteries, and crematories; imposing penalties.

Prohibits discrimination based on a number of protected classes, provides civil penalties.

 

WHO REPRESENTS ME?

We encourage you to develop a relationship with your local representatives.  It is very important when we are talking to representatives at the State Capitol to refer them to their constituents.  If you do not know who represents you, go to this link and enter your address, then visit them in their district offices.  If you already have a relationship with a representative, please fill in the attached form and send it back to the TFDA office.  Fax (512) 443-3559 or e-mail rob@tfda.com.

 

INVEST IN TFDA PAC

Political Action Committees (PACs) are a central part of our country’s political process. TFDA PAC determines which candidates and legislators are advocates for the Funeral Profession and works to support their campaigns. Since our decisions are made based on their support of our industry, it is a completely non-partisan effort. Members may always choose to support other candidates personally through voting and financial contributions and that is perfectly fine!

 

While not as large as some other PACs, TFDA PAC is positioned to make a difference in races it sees as important and to support the candidates that support us. These contributions help ensure our voice is heard on important industry issues that directly or indirectly affect our members.

 

You can invest in TFDA PAC in several different ways:

 

  1. Write a personal (non-corporate company) check to TFDA PAC and mail to the TFDA office.
  2. Print the bank draft form and allow TFDA draft a regular investment from your personal checking account.
  3. Set up a one-time credit card (non-corporate company) payment by following the following link. Be sure to write TFDA PAC in the notes section.

CLICK HERE TO INVEST IN YOUR PROFESSION!