Congressman to unveil cemetery legislation

[The Straight Story]

Congressman to unveil cemetery legislation
September 19, 2009 7:12 PM | 7 Comments

U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) on Monday will propose new federal legislation regulating cemeteries.

Following the Burr Oak Cemetery scandal, in which four employees were charged with moving bodies and reselling grave sites, Rush held a July 27 congressional hearing in Chicago where funeral advocates, Illinois officials and others offered testimony and Burr Oak victims told their stories.

Rush has scheduled a news conference Monday to announce the proposed "Bereaved Consumers Protection Act," will would "be a significant first step towards comprehensive and uniform regulation of cemeteries and funeral home practices in the country," according to a news release sent Saturday from Rush's office.

"The 'Bereaved Consumers Protection Act' will close the legislative gap in how cemeteries are regulated throughout the country and define what steps consumers can take to guarantee their rights are protected," said Rush, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, in the release.

The act would spell out consumer rights involving contracts for goods and services, and would require cemeteries to keep specific and updated public records involving burials and services.

The law also would strengthen the Federal Trade Commission rules prohibiting unfair, deceptive acts or practices in the funeral operations industry, according to Rush.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/09/congressman-to-unveil-cemetery-legislation.html

[Posteritatis]

1. "Bereaved *consumers*"? (nt)

[Donnachaidh]

3. yes, they are *consumers, and pay pretty steep prices

While we haven't had the problems that the papers talk about, we have had the brass plaque from my grandfather's grave stolen - because it was unusual for a person to have served in both world wars - and it was brass.

We had to replace it, even after paying steep fees for cemetery care, etc. It's about bloody time they came up with this stuff.

[Posteritatis]

4. Oh, I agree entirely

I'm just offended at the fact that the legislation defines you - and all the other people it's intended to protect - specifically and merely as People Who Purchased Something and not, y'know, People. I mean, your hypothetical grandson might still be upset at your grandfather's grave being desecrated even if he didn't put a penny anywhere near it, right?

[jgraz]

2. All I want to know is...

will those tombstoned on DU get a "public option" burial plan?

[malaise]

5. Not sure what they'll get but you

win a DUzy. That was wicked funny. :evilgrin: