85R1887 BEF-F
 
  By: Raymond H.B. No. 1292
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the Texas Funeral Service Commission; authorizing fees.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 651.051(a), Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (a)  The Texas Funeral Service Commission consists of seven
  members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of
  the senate as follows:
               (1)  two members who are licensed as both an embalmer
  and a funeral director for at least the five years preceding
  appointment to the commission;
               (2)  one member who is licensed as a funeral director
  and is a registered cemetery owner or operator; and
               (3)  four members who represent the public and who:
                     (A)  are not regulated under this chapter; and
                     (B)  have consistently shown an interest in
  supporting consumer protection.
         SECTION 2.  Section 651.055(c), Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         (c)  It is a ground for removal from the commission that a
  member:
               (1)  does not have at the time of appointment the
  qualifications required by Sections 651.051(a) and (c) and
  651.052(a);
               (2)  does not maintain during service on the commission
  the qualifications required by Sections 651.051(a) and (c) and
  651.052(a);
               (3)  violates a prohibition established by Section
  651.053 [Sections 651.053(a)-(e) or 651.506(h)];
               (4)  cannot because of illness or disability discharge
  the member's duties for a substantial part of the term for which the
  member is appointed; or
               (5)  is absent for more than half of the regularly
  scheduled commission meetings that the member is eligible to attend
  during a calendar year unless the absence is excused by majority
  vote of the commission.
         SECTION 3.  The heading to Section 651.101, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.101.  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR[; BOND].
         SECTION 4.  The heading to Section 651.151, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.151.  GENERAL LICENSING POWERS AND DUTIES.
         SECTION 5.  Section 651.151(c), Occupations Code, is
  redesignated as Section 651.1511, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.1511.  COMMITTEES. [(c)] The commission may
  appoint a committee from its members to consider and make a
  recommendation on a matter referred to the committee by the
  commission.
         SECTION 6.  Section 651.154, Occupations Code, is amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.154.  FEES. (a) The commission shall set the
  following fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to administer
  this chapter:
               (1)  the funeral director's and embalmer's application
  fee, license fee, renewal fee, late renewal penalty, duplicate
  license fee, replacement license fee, and reciprocal license fee;
  and
               (2)  the cemetery, crematory, or funeral establishment
  license fee, renewal fee, and late renewal penalty.
         (b)  The commission shall set the provisional license
  application fee, examination fee, renewal fee, and late renewal
  penalty in amounts reasonable and necessary to administer the
  provisional license program.
         (c)  The commission shall set the following fees in amounts
  reasonable and necessary to administer the continuing education
  program under this chapter:
               (1)  the continuing education provider fee and
  continuing education course fee; and
               (2)  the continuing education noncompliance fee [may
  not charge a fee to a perpetual care cemetery, including a fee for
  issuing or renewing a license issued under this chapter].
         SECTION 7.  Sections 651.157, 651.1571, and 651.158,
  Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.157.  INSPECTION OF [CEMETERY,] CREMATORY[,] OR
  FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT. (a) A crematory or funeral establishment
  must be inspected before an initial license may be issued to the
  crematory or funeral establishment.
         (a-1)  Except as provided by Subsection (b), a [licensed
  cemetery,] crematory[,] or funeral establishment shall be
  inspected at least once every two years by an agent of the
  commission or by an agent of the state or a political subdivision
  authorized by the commission to make inspections on its behalf.
         (b)  If the commission finds a violation of this chapter or
  of Chapter 193, 361, 711, 714, 715, or 716, Health and Safety Code,
  the commission shall inspect the [cemetery,] crematory[,] or
  funeral establishment annually until the commission determines
  that the crematory or funeral establishment is free of violations.
         (c)  A report of each inspection made under this section
  shall be retained in the crematory's or funeral establishment's
  licensing file [filed with the commission].
         (d)  The commission by rule shall establish:
               (1)  procedures for the inspection of a [cemetery,]
  crematory[,] or funeral establishment required by this section; and
               (2)  criteria, including consideration of the
  crematory's or funeral establishment's inspection and complaint
  history, regarding when the commission should inspect a crematory
  or funeral [an] establishment based on the risk of a violation at a
  crematory or funeral [an] establishment.
         (e)  A premises on which funeral directing, [interment,]
  cremation, or embalming is practiced shall be open at all times to
  inspection for any violation of this chapter or of Chapter 193, 361,
  or 716, Health and Safety Code, by:
               (1)  an agent of the commission;
               (2)  an authorized agent of the state; or
               (3)  an authorized agent of the county or municipality
  in which the premises is located.
         (f)  Before a commission agent inspects a [cemetery,]
  crematory[,] or funeral establishment, the agent shall review the
  inspection reports filed with the commission on the crematory or
  funeral establishment. During the inspection, the agent shall
  determine whether previously identified problems have been
  corrected and whether a pattern of violations exists. The
  commission shall consider the information from the inspection
  reports in determining whether a penalty should be imposed against
  a crematory or funeral [an] establishment.
         Sec. 651.1571.  INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN
  CEMETERIES[; EXCEPTION FOR PERPETUAL CARE CEMETERIES]. (a) A
  cemetery licensed by the commission [This section and Section
  651.157 do not apply to perpetual care cemeteries.
         [(b)  Except as provided by Section 651.157(b):
               [(1)  a cemetery] may not be inspected unless:
               (1) [(A)]  an interment has occurred in the cemetery
  within the two years preceding the inspection; or
               (2) [(B)]  the commission has received a complaint
  about the cemetery.
         (b)  The[; and
               [(2)  the] commission shall give lower priority to an
  inspection of a cemetery than to an inspection of a crematory or
  funeral establishment.
         Sec. 651.158.  INSPECTION OF CERTAIN FACILITIES. (a) The
  commission may require a funeral establishment that has solid waste
  disposal and sanitation facilities that have not been inspected by
  the [Texas] Department of State Health Services to obtain
  inspection of those facilities by an entity other than the [Texas]
  Department of State Health Services.
         (b)  The commission by rule shall establish procedures for an
  inspection required under this section.
         SECTION 8.  Sections 651.160(a) and (b), Occupations Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The commission and the [Texas] Department of State
  Health Services shall adopt a joint memorandum of understanding
  that:
               (1)  outlines the responsibilities of each agency in
  enforcing requirements under Chapters 193 and 361, Health and
  Safety Code, that affect funeral establishments;
               (2)  establishes procedures by which each agency:
                     (A)  may refer a complaint to the other; and
                     (B)  will notify the other of a violation by a
  funeral establishment of Chapter 193 or 361, Health and Safety
  Code; and
               (3)  coordinates inspection and enforcement efforts by
  both agencies for measures that a funeral establishment is required
  to implement under Chapters 193 and 361, Health and Safety Code.
         (b)  Not later than the last month of each state fiscal year,
  the commission and the [Texas] Department of State Health Services
  shall review and update the memorandum of understanding.
         SECTION 9.  Section 651.004, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter D, Chapter 651, Occupations Code, and
  redesignated as Section 651.168, Occupations Code, to read as
  follows:
         Sec. 651.168 [651.004].  REGULATION OF CEMETERY AND
  CREMATORY SERVICES. (a) The commission shall regulate cemetery
  and crematory services as provided by this chapter and Chapter 716,
  Health and Safety Code.
         (b)  The commission may not regulate cemetery or crematory
  services that occur after burial or inurnment unless the services
  relate to the care and treatment of the remains in an urn, casket,
  or outer enclosure.
         SECTION 10.  Section 651.201, Occupations Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows:
         (c)  A funeral establishment may print additional copies of
  the brochure only if the commission is unable to provide the number
  of brochures needed by the funeral establishment.
         SECTION 11.  Subchapter E, Chapter 651, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 651.2015 to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.2015.  INTERNET WEBSITES. The commission may allow
  a funeral establishment that maintains an Internet website to link
  to the commission's Internet website.
         SECTION 12.  Section 651.203, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.203.  RECORD OF COMPLAINTS.  (a)  The commission
  shall maintain a record [file] on each written complaint filed with
  the commission.  The record [file] must include:
               (1)  the subject matter of the complaint;
               (2)  the date the complaint is received by the
  commission;
               (3)  the name of the person who filed the complaint;
               (4)  the name of each person contacted in relation to
  the complaint;
               (5)  a summary of the results of the review or
  investigation of the complaint; and
               (6)  an explanation of the reason the complaint [file]
  was closed, if the commission closed the complaint [file] without
  taking action other than to investigate the complaint.
         (b)  Information in a record [file] maintained under this
  section, other than information relating to a complaint that has
  not reached a final disposition, is public information.
         SECTION 13.  Section 651.252, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.252.  LICENSE APPLICATION. (a) The commission may
  adopt license application requirements [An applicant] for a funeral
  director's license or an embalmer's license [must submit a written
  license application to the commission and pay the application fee].
         (b)  The commission may provide that a person applies for a
  funeral director's or embalmer's license by completing a
  provisional license program under Subchapter G [require an
  applicant to appear before at least one member of the commission for
  approval of the person's application. The approval is subject to
  review by the entire commission.
         [(c)     The commission shall keep a permanent, alphabetical
  record of each license application and the action taken on the
  application. The record must indicate the current status of each
  application and license issued].
         SECTION 14.  Section 651.164, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F, Chapter 651, Occupations Code,
  redesignated as Section 651.2525, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.2525 [651.164]. LICENSE EXPIRATION. (a) A funeral
  director's or embalmer's license is valid for 24 months.
         (b)  The commission by rule shall [may] adopt a system under
  which licenses expire on various dates during the year. For an
  initial license that is issued for a term of less than 24 months
  [the year in which the license expiration date is changed], the
  commission shall prorate license fees on a monthly basis so that
  each license holder pays only that portion of the license fee that
  is allocable to the number of months during which the license is
  valid. On renewal of the license on the new expiration date, the
  total license renewal fee is payable.
         SECTION 15.  Section 651.253, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.253.  GENERAL LICENSE REQUIREMENTS. (a) To be
  eligible for a funeral director's license or an embalmer's license,
  an applicant must:
               (1)  be at least 18 years of age;
               (2)  have graduated from an accredited high school or
  passed an examination prescribed by the Texas Education Agency;
               (3)  have graduated from an accredited school or
  college of mortuary science;
               (4)  unless the applicant holds a reciprocal license,
  have completed the requirements of the provisional license program;
  and
               (5)  have successfully completed the [applicable]
  written examinations [examination] described by Section 651.254
  and by Section 651.255 or 651.256, as applicable.
         (b)  Unless the applicant is seeking a reciprocal license, an
  [An] applicant for a funeral director's license or an embalmer's
  license may not be considered for that license until the
  applicant[:
               [(1)]  completes all of the requirements of the
  provisional license program[; and
               [(2)     attains a grade of at least 75 percent on the
  written examination given by the commission].
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(3), the commission may
  adopt rules to allow an applicant who graduated from a school or
  college of mortuary science that is no longer accredited to become
  licensed as a funeral director or embalmer.
         SECTION 16.  Section 651.254, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.254.  MORTUARY LAW EXAMINATION. (a) The
  commission shall administer or arrange for the administration of a
  written examination developed by the commission or developed for
  the commission under a contract on:
               (1)  laws applicable to vital statistics pertaining to
  dead human bodies; and
               (2)  local and state rules and laws relating to the
  preparation, transportation, care, and disposition of dead human
  bodies. 
         (b)  To pass the examination, an individual must receive a
  grade of at least 75 percent. [LICENSE EXAMINATIONS; RESULTS. (a)
  The examinations for a funeral director's license and an embalmer's
  license shall be held at least annually. The examinations shall be
  given at the time and place designated by the commission. The
  commission shall give notice of the examinations.
         [(b)     Not later than the 30th day after the date a person
  takes a licensing examination under this chapter, the commission
  shall notify the person of the results of the examination.
         [(c)     If the examination is graded or reviewed by a testing
  service:
               [(1)     the commission shall notify the person of the
  results of the examination not later than the 14th day after the
  date the commission receives the results from the testing service;
  and
               [(2)     if notice of the examination results will be
  delayed for longer than 90 days after the examination date, the
  commission shall notify the person of the reason for the delay
  before the 90th day.
         [(d)     The commission may require a testing service to notify
  a person of the results of the person's examination.
         [(e)     If requested in writing by a person who fails a
  licensing examination administered under this chapter, the
  commission shall furnish the person with an analysis of the
  person's performance on the examination.]
         SECTION 17.  Sections 651.255, 651.256, 651.258, and
  651.259, Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.255.  EXAMINATION [EXAMINATIONS] REQUIRED FOR
  FUNERAL DIRECTOR'S LICENSE. The commission shall administer or
  arrange for the administration of[:
               [(1)]  a written professionally prepared examination
  on:
               (1) [(A)]  the art and technique of funeral directing;
               (2) [(B)]  the signs of death;
               (3) [(C)]  the manner by which death may be determined;
               (4) [(D)]  sanitation and hygiene;
               (5) [(E)]  mortuary management and mortuary law;
               (6) [(F)]  business and professional ethics; and
               (7) [(G)]  other subjects that may be taught in a
  recognized school or college of mortuary science[; and
               [(2)     a written examination developed by the commission
  or developed for the commission by contract on:
                     [(A)     laws applicable to vital statistics
  pertaining to dead human bodies; and
                     [(B)     local and state rules and laws relating to
  the preparation, transportation, care, and disposition of dead
  human bodies].
         Sec. 651.256.  EXAMINATION [EXAMINATIONS] REQUIRED FOR
  EMBALMER'S LICENSE. The commission shall administer or arrange for
  the administration of[:
               [(1)]  a written professionally prepared examination
  on:
               (1) [(A)]  the anatomy of the human body, including:
                     (A) [(i)]  the cavities of the human body; and
                     (B) [(ii)]  the arterial and venous system of the
  human body;
               (2) [(B)]  blood and discoloration;
               (3) [(C)]  bacteriology and hygiene;
               (4) [(D)]  pathology;
               (5) [(E)]  chemistry and embalming;
               (6) [(F)]  arterial and cavity embalming;
               (7) [(G)]  restorative art;
               (8) [(H)]  disinfecting;
               (9) [(I)]  embalming special cases;
               (10) [(J)]  contagious and infectious diseases;
               (11) [(K)]  mortuary management;
               (12) [(L)]  care, preservation, transportation, and
  disposition of dead human bodies;
               (13) [(M)]  sanitary science; and
               (14) [(N)]  other subjects that may be taught in a
  recognized school or college of mortuary science[; and
               [(2)     a written examination developed by the commission
  or developed for the commission by contract on:
                     [(A)     laws applicable to vital statistics
  pertaining to dead human bodies; and
                     [(B)     local and state rules and laws relating to
  the care and disposition of dead human bodies].
         Sec. 651.258.  LICENSE ISSUANCE. On issuance of a funeral
  director's license or an embalmer's license under this chapter, a
  majority of the commission members shall sign the license. A [The]
  license issued by the commission authorizes the license holder to
  practice embalming, funeral directing, or both.
         Sec. 651.259.  APPLICATION BY OUT-OF-STATE LICENSE HOLDER.
  (a) The commission shall waive any requirement for a funeral
  director's license or an embalmer's license for an applicant who
  holds a license issued by another state, country, or territory that
  has license requirements substantially equivalent to the
  requirements of this state and who meets the requirements of this
  section. The commission may waive any license requirement for an
  applicant who holds a license issued by another state that does not
  have license requirements substantially equivalent to those of this
  state and who meets the requirements of this section. [The
  applicant shall pay a license fee in an amount set by the
  commission.]
         (b)  Any applicant for a license under this section shall
  file an [a sworn] application that includes:
               (1)  a sworn statement that:
                     (A)  the applicant is the person to whom the
  license was issued;
                     (B)  the license under which the applicant
  practiced as a funeral director or embalmer in the state, country,
  or territory from which the applicant moved was, at the time the
  applicant left, in effect;
                     (C)  no proceeding has been instituted against the
  applicant for the cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the
  license in the state, country, or territory that issued the
  license; and
                     (D) [(C)]  no prosecution is pending against the
  applicant in a state or federal court for an offense that, under the
  laws of this state, is a felony, or is a misdemeanor related to the
  practice of embalming or funeral directing; [and]
               (2)  an affidavit of a person described by Subsection
  (c) verifying that:
                     (A)  the accompanying license has not been
  canceled, suspended, or revoked; and
                     (B)  the statement of the qualifications made in
  the application for licensure in this state is correct; and 
               (3)  documentation that the applicant has graduated
  from an accredited college of mortuary science.
         (c)  The affidavit must be made by:
               (1)  the presiding officer or secretary of the
  governmental entity that issued the license; or
               (2)  a registration officer of the state, country, or
  territory that issued the license.
         (d)  [The applicant must affirm in the statement that the
  license under which the applicant practiced as a funeral director
  or embalmer in the state, country, or territory from which the
  applicant moved was, at the time the applicant left, in effect.
         [(e)]  An applicant must submit to [The commission shall
  conduct] a criminal background check before submitting a license
  application [on each applicant]. An applicant is not eligible for a
  license under this section if the applicant has, in the 10 years
  preceding the date of the application, been finally convicted of a
  misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a felony.
         (e) [(f)]  An applicant for a license under this section
  must[:
               [(1)]  provide proof that[:
                     [(A)  the license is in good standing;
                     [(B)]  the applicant has practiced under the
  license for at least:
               (1) [(i)]  one year in the state, country, or territory 
  that issued the license if that state, country, or territory has
  license requirements substantially equivalent to those of this
  state; or
               (2) [(ii)]  five years in the state, country, or
  territory that issued the license if that state, country, or
  territory does not have license requirements substantially
  equivalent to those of this state.
         (f)  An applicant under this section must successfully
  complete the written examination described by Section 651.254[; and
                     [(C)     the applicant has graduated from an
  accredited college of mortuary science; and
               [(2)     pass a written examination of not more than 50
  questions on applicable state laws and commission rules].
         (g)  On approval of the application, the applicant shall pay
  a license fee in an amount set by the commission [The commission
  shall conduct the examination under Subsection (f)(2) at each
  regularly scheduled meeting of the commission].
         SECTION 18.  The heading to Section 651.260, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.260.  REPLACEMENT [DUPLICATE] LICENSE.
         SECTION 19.  Sections 651.260(a) and (c), Occupations Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  If a license issued under this chapter is lost or
  destroyed, the license holder may apply to the commission for a
  replacement [duplicate] license.
         (c)  The commission shall issue a replacement [duplicate]
  license after receipt of the information and payment of the fee set
  by the commission for the replacement [duplicate] license.
         SECTION 20.  Section 651.261, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.261.  POSTING OF LICENSE. (a) A license holder
  shall conspicuously display the holder's original license,
  duplicate original license, or replacement license in each place of
  business at which the license holder practices.
         (b)  The commission shall issue a duplicate original license
  on application and payment of a fee set by the commission for the
  license if the license holder needs a license to display in multiple
  locations.
         SECTION 21.  Section 651.266, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.266.  CONTINUING EDUCATION. The commission by rule
  may require continuing education as a condition for license renewal
  except for a license holder described by Section 651.155 or an
  applicant for renewal described by Section 651.265(b) [651.265].
  If the commission requires continuing education, the commission
  shall require completion of a minimum number of hours of ethics
  training as a required part of that education.
         SECTION 22.  Section 651.165, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F, Chapter 651, Occupations Code,
  redesignated as Section 651.2661, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.2661 [651.165]. RENEWAL OR REINSTATEMENT OF
  LICENSE. (a) A person who is otherwise eligible to renew a license
  may renew an unexpired license by paying the required renewal fee to
  the commission before the expiration date of the license. A person
  whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require
  a license until the license has been renewed.
         (b)  A person whose license has been expired for 90 days or
  less may renew the license by paying to the commission a renewal fee
  that is equal to 1-1/2 times the normally required renewal fee.
         (c)  A person whose license has been expired for more than 90
  days but less than one year may renew the license by paying to the
  commission a renewal fee that is equal to two times the normally
  required renewal fee.
         (d)  A person whose license has been expired for one year or
  more may reinstate [renew] the license by:
               (1)  retaking and passing the [applicable] examination
  under Section 651.254;
               (2)  paying any applicable fees, including a renewal
  fee that is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee;
  and
               (3)  completing any continuing education required
  under Section 651.266.
         (e)  A person who was licensed in this state, moved to
  another state, and is currently licensed and has been in practice in
  the other state for the two years preceding the date of application
  may obtain a new license without reexamination if both licenses are
  in good standing. The person must pay to the commission a fee that
  is equal to two times the normally required renewal fee for the
  license.
         (f)  At least 30 days before the expiration of a person's
  license, the commission shall send written notice of the impending
  license expiration to the person at the person's last known address
  according to the records of the commission.
         SECTION 23.  Section 651.1655, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter F, Chapter 651, Occupations Code,
  redesignated as Section 651.2662, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.2662 [651.1655]. REINSTATEMENT OF SUSPENDED
  LICENSE. If authorized by the commission, a [A] person whose
  license has been suspended may reinstate [renew] the license by:
               (1)  paying to the commission a renewal fee that is
  equal to two times the normally required renewal fee;
               (2)  paying [in addition to] any penalty assessed by
  the commission;
               (3)  completing any continuing education required
  under Section 651.266; and 
               (4)  passing with a score of at least 75 percent the
  examination under Section 651.254.
         SECTION 24.  Sections 651.267(c) and (d), Occupations Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (c)  A hearing to determine whether to reissue a license
  shall be held before the commission unless the commission requires
  the hearing to be held before an administrative law judge [a
  hearings officer].
         (d)  A license that has been revoked may be reissued
  [reinstated] only after the applicant:
               (1)  retakes and passes the [applicable] examination
  under Section 651.254;
               (2)  pays a fee that is equal to two times the normally
  required renewal fee; [and]
               (3)  satisfies any other commission requirements,
  including any continuing education requirements under Section
  651.266; and
               (4)  pays any penalty assessed by the commission.
         SECTION 25.  The heading to Subchapter H, Chapter 651,
  Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER H. LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: CEMETERY, FUNERAL, AND
  COMMERCIAL EMBALMING [EMBALMER] ESTABLISHMENTS
         SECTION 26.  Section 651.351, Occupations Code, is amended
  by amending Subsections (d), (f), (g), and (h) and adding
  Subsection (h-1) to read as follows:
         (d)  A funeral establishment must:
               (1)  meet the building, fire safety, and health
  standards and health ordinances of this state and of the
  municipality in which the establishment is located;
               (2)  except as provided by Subsection (i), be located
  at a fixed place that is not tax-exempt property or a cemetery;
               (3)  include facilities in which funeral services may
  be conducted;
               (4)  have access to vehicles [rolling stock] consisting
  of at least one motor hearse;
               (5)  include a preparation room containing the
  facilities, equipment, and supplies required by commission rule to
  ensure the provision of adequate embalming services;
               (6)  include other facilities as necessary to comply
  with the sanitary codes of this state and of the municipality in
  which the room is located; [and]
               (7)  include a display containing sufficient
  merchandise to permit reasonable selection, including at least
  [five adult caskets,] two [of which must be] full-size caskets, one
  of which must be the least expensive casket offered, that are [and]
  displayed in a setting that allows for private selection; and
               (8)  conspicuously display the funeral establishment's
  license [casket showroom].
         (f)  Other than the two full-size caskets, the merchandise 
  [The least expensive casket] displayed under Subsection (d)(7)
  [must be a full-size casket displayed in the same general manner as
  the other full-size caskets are displayed.     The three adult caskets
  that are not required to be full-size under Subsection (d)(7)] may
  be displayed:
               (1)  in a partial panel display; or
               (2)  by video or brochure, online, or in any other
  manner.
         (g)  The commission may exempt a funeral establishment from
  the requirements of Subsection (d)(5) if[:
               [(1)]  the majority owner or designated agent of record
  of a funeral establishment submits a written petition to the
  commission requesting an exemption and stating:
               (1) [(A)]  the establishment's name and address;
               (2) [(B)]  that the establishment is located within 50
  miles of a facility owned by the establishment requesting the
  exemption and at which embalming services may be performed; and
               (3) [(C)]  that no embalming services will be performed
  at the establishment[; and
               [(2)     the commission determines that the criteria in
  Subdivision (1) have been met].
         (h)  The executive director shall notify the petitioner of
  the commission's decision on an exemption request under Subsection
  (g).
         (h-1)  An [The] exemption under Subsection (g) remains in
  effect until the conditions required for the exemption are no
  longer met[:
               [(1)     the establishment is no longer located within 50
  miles of a facility owned by the exempt establishment or at which
  embalming services may be performed; or
               [(2)     an embalming service has been performed at the
  establishment].
         SECTION 27.  The heading to Section 651.352, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.352.  COMMERCIAL EMBALMING [EMBALMERS]
  ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE REQUIREMENTS.
         SECTION 28.  Sections 651.352(a), (b), (c), and (e),
  Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  In this section, "commercial embalming [embalmers]
  establishment" means a funeral [an] establishment that:
               (1)  embalms for other licensed funeral
  establishments; and
               (2)  does not sell services or merchandise directly or
  at retail to the public[; and
               [(3)  meets the requirements for an embalmers license].
         (b)  An establishment that functions solely as a commercial
  embalming [embalmers] establishment is required to hold a
  commercial embalming [embalmers] establishment license and [but]
  is [not] required to comply with the requirements for a funeral
  establishment license under Section 651.351 except for the
  requirements of Sections 651.351(d)(3)[, (d)(6),] and (7) [(f)].
         (c)  A commercial embalming [embalmers] establishment may
  employ an embalmer only if the embalmer is licensed under this
  chapter.
         (e)  A licensed commercial embalming [embalmers]
  establishment that meets the licensing requirements under
  Subchapter N may hold a crematory establishment license.
         SECTION 29.  Section 651.401, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.401.  REMOVAL OF DEAD HUMAN BODY [FIRST CALL]. (a)
  A funeral director [or embalmer] must direct [and personally
  supervise] the pickup of a dead human body [on first call].
         (b)  A dead human body may be transferred without a funeral
  director directing [personally making] the transfer at the
  direction of a justice of the peace or other law enforcement
  official[:
               [(1)  from one funeral establishment to another;
               [(2)     from a funeral establishment to and from a morgue
  in which an autopsy is performed;
               [(3)  to and from an airport, crematory, or both; or
               [(4)     in circumstances in which there is no reasonable
  probability that an unlicensed person will encounter a family
  member or other person with whom funeral arrangements are normally
  made by a funeral director or embalmer].
         (c)  A funeral director may direct an unlicensed person, a
  provisional license holder, or an embalmer in the removal of a dead
  human body. A funeral director who directs the removal of a dead
  human body by an unlicensed person is strictly accountable for
  compliance with the requirements of this chapter. If an unlicensed
  person, a provisional license holder, or an embalmer inadvertently
  encounters a family member or other person with whom funeral
  arrangements are normally made, the [unlicensed] person shall
  restrict communication with the family member or other person to:
               (1)  identifying the [unlicensed] person's employer;
  and
               (2)  [arranging an appointment with the unlicensed
  person's employer for a family member or other person who indicates
  a desire to make funeral arrangements for the deceased; and
               [(3)]  making any disclosure to the family member or
  other person that is required by federal or state law or regulation.
         [(d)     A funeral director or embalmer who directs the removal
  or transfer of a dead human body without personally supervising the
  transfer is strictly accountable for compliance with the
  requirements of first call as provided by this section.]
         SECTION 30.  Subchapter I, Chapter 651, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 651.4031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.4031.  DESIGNATION OF EMBALMER IN CHARGE; EFFECT
  OF VIOLATION. (a) A commercial embalming establishment shall:
               (1)  designate to the commission an embalmer in charge;
  and
               (2)  promptly notify the commission of any change in
  that designation.
         (b)  The embalmer in charge is directly responsible for the
  embalming business of the commercial embalming establishment.
         (c)  The embalmer in charge is ultimately responsible for
  compliance with mortuary laws. The embalmer in charge may be
  charged with a violation of this chapter if a violation occurs in
  the commercial embalming establishment.
         SECTION 31.  Section 651.404, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.404.  CONSUMER BROCHURE. When funeral services are
  discussed, a funeral director or agent of the funeral establishment
  shall provide each prospective customer with a copy of the brochure
  prepared by the commission under Section 651.201. [The funeral
  establishment shall print additional copies of the brochure if the
  commission is unable to provide the number of brochures needed by
  the funeral establishment.]
         SECTION 32.  Section 651.407(c), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  The funeral establishment shall retain a copy of the
  written consent for at least two years and shall make the records of
  the funeral establishment reasonably available for inspection by:
               (1)  the commission; and
               (2)  the person who provided the consent, as provided
  by Section 711.002, Health and Safety Code [; and
               [(3)  the next of kin of the deceased person].
         SECTION 33.  The heading to Section 651.454, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.454.  [OTHER] UNETHICAL CONDUCT IN SOLICITING
  CUSTOMERS.
         SECTION 34.  Section 651.454(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A person violates this chapter if the person, in
  arranging for funeral services or merchandise, fails to:
               (1)  provide a prospective customer at the beginning of
  the arrangement process with a copy of the brochure required by
  Section 651.404;
               (2)  provide to a prospective customer inquiring in
  person about any funeral service or merchandise a retail price list
  for the prospective customer to keep;
               (3)  explain to a prospective customer that a purchase
  [contractual] agreement for funeral services or merchandise may not
  be entered into before a retail price list is provided to the
  prospective customer; or
               (4)  provide general price information by telephone
  within a reasonable time.
         SECTION 35.  Sections 651.457 and 651.458, Occupations Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.457.  UNETHICAL CONDUCT REGARDING EMBALMING. (a)
  A person violates this chapter if the person:
               (1)  embalms a body without:
                     (A)  receiving the express written or oral
  permission of a person authorized to make funeral arrangements for
  the deceased; or
                     (B)  making a documented reasonable effort over a
  period of at least three hours to obtain the permission;
               (2)  [embalms or attempts to embalm a dead human body
  without proper authority, evidence of which includes making an
  incision on the body, raising a circulatory vessel of the body, or
  injecting a chemical into the body;
               [(3)]  allows the presence or participation of a
  student for credit or satisfaction of academic requirements during
  the embalming of a dead human body without complying with Section
  651.407; or
               (3) [(4)]  places a chemical or substance on or in a
  dead human body to disinfect or preserve the body or to restore body
  tissues and structures without holding an embalmer's license.
         (b)  Notwithstanding Subsection (a)(3) [(a)(4)], a
  provisional license holder does not violate this chapter if the
  provisional license holder places a chemical or substance on or in a
  dead human body to disinfect or preserve the body or to restore body
  tissues and structures under the supervision of an embalmer.
         (c)  For purposes of this section, "embalms a body" includes
  an attempt to embalm a body, evidence of which includes making an
  incision on the body, raising a circulatory vessel of the body, or
  injecting a chemical into the body.
         Sec. 651.458.  UNETHICAL CONDUCT BY FUNERAL ESTABLISHMENT.
  A person violates this chapter if the person makes a distinction in
  providing funeral information to a customer because [regardless] of
  any affiliation of the customer or because [whether] the customer
  does or does not have [has] a present need for the services or
  merchandise.
         SECTION 36.  The heading to Section 651.459, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.459.  [OTHER] UNETHICAL CONDUCT IN PROVIDING
  FUNERAL SERVICES.
         SECTION 37.  Sections 651.459(a) and (c), Occupations Code,
  are amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A person violates this chapter if the person:
               (1)  wilfully makes a false statement on:
                     (A)  a death certificate, including forgery of a
  physician's signature; or
                     (B)  a document required by this chapter or a rule
  adopted under this chapter;
               (2)  engages in fraudulent, [unprofessional, or]
  deceptive, [conduct in providing funeral services or merchandise to
  a customer;
               [(3)  engages in] dishonest [conduct], wilful,
  unprofessional, or negligent conduct in providing [, or negligence
  in the practice of] embalming services or funeral services or
  merchandise to a customer [directing] that is likely to or does
  deceive, defraud, or otherwise injure the public;
               (3) [(4)]  causes the execution of a document by the
  use of fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
               (4) [(5)]  directly or indirectly employs a person to
  solicit individuals or institutions by whose influence dead human
  bodies may be turned over to a particular funeral director,
  embalmer, or funeral establishment;
               (5) [(6)]  misappropriates funds held by a license
  holder, a funeral establishment, an employee or agent of the
  funeral establishment, or another depository, that create an
  obligation to provide a funeral service or merchandise, including
  retaining for an unreasonable time excess funds paid by or on behalf
  of the customer for which the customer is entitled to a refund; or
               (6) [(7)]  performs acts of funeral directing or
  embalming that are outside the licensed scope and authority of the
  license holder, or performs acts of funeral directing or embalming
  in a capacity other than that of an employee, agent, subcontractor,
  or assignee of a licensed funeral establishment that has contracted
  to perform those acts.
         (c)  A funeral director in charge violates this chapter if
  the funeral director in charge fails to ensure that a dead human
  body is removed in the manner provided by Section 651.401 [provide a
  funeral director or an embalmer for direction or personal
  supervision for a first call].
         SECTION 38.  Section 651.461, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.461.  DEFENSE TO VIOLATION. A person licensed
  under this chapter does not violate this chapter by engaging in
  conduct regarding funeral arrangements under the direction of a
  person who:
               (1)  represents in writing to the license holder that
  the person is authorized to make funeral arrangements for the
  deceased; and
               (2)  provides written directions to the license holder
  in the manner provided by Section 711.002, Health and Safety Code.
         SECTION 39.  Section 651.508, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter J, Chapter 651, Occupations Code,
  redesignated as Section 651.462, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.462 [651.508].  ENFORCEMENT OF LAW REGULATING
  CREMATORIES. A [For purposes of this subchapter, a] person
  regulated under this chapter that violates Chapter 716, Health and
  Safety Code, violates this chapter.
         SECTION 40.  Section 651.501(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The [After a hearing as provided by this subchapter,
  the] commission may issue a letter of warning [reprimand], assess
  an administrative penalty, revoke or [,] suspend a license, place a
  license holder on probation [or probate the suspension of a license
  or provisional license], or impose any combination of those
  penalties if the commission determines that a person regulated
  under this chapter has violated [for a violation of] this chapter or
  a rule adopted under this chapter.
         SECTION 41.  The heading to Section 651.502, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.502.  LICENSE DENIAL[; EFFECT OF CRIMINAL
  CONVICTION].
         SECTION 42.  Section 651.502, Occupations Code, is amended
  by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  After a hearing before the commission, the [The]
  commission may[, before a hearing or a waiver of a right to a
  hearing,] refuse to issue or renew:
               (1)  a license or provisional license to a person who
  has violated this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter or
  who has a criminal conviction; or
               (2)  an establishment license to an individual,
  partnership, or corporation if the individual, a partner, or an
  officer or director of the corporation:
                     (A)  has violated this chapter or a rule adopted
  under this chapter;
                     (B)  previously held an establishment license
  that was suspended or revoked; or
                     (C)  attempts to avoid a revocation, suspension,
  or license denial [refusal] by subterfuge or other evasive means.
         (a-1)  The commission may, after a hearing held under
  Subsection (a), order that a license be issued or renewed on a
  probationary basis through execution of an agreed order.
         (b)  A person who is refused the issuance or renewal of [to
  whom the commission refuses to issue] a license under Subsection
  (a) may appeal the decision by submitting a written request for a
  hearing in accordance with Chapter 2001, Government Code, not later
  than the 30th day after the date of the refusal.
         SECTION 43.  Subchapter K, Chapter 651, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 651.5029 to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.5029.  REPORT AND NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND PENALTY.
  (a) If, after examining a possible violation and the facts relating
  to that violation, the commission determines that a violation has
  occurred, the commission shall issue a preliminary report stating:
               (1)  the facts on which the determination is based;
               (2)  that a sanction may be imposed; and
               (3)  the types of sanctions that may be imposed for the
  violation.
         (b)  Not later than the 10th day after the date the report is
  issued, the commission shall send to the person charged with the
  violation:
               (1)  a copy of the report;
               (2)  a statement of the right of the person to a hearing
  relating to the alleged violation;
               (3)  a statement of the types of sanctions that may be
  imposed for the violation; and
               (4)  a statement that the person may request an
  informal proceeding.
         (c)  Until a hearing has been held on the possible violation,
  the possible violation and the sanctions that may be imposed may be
  disclosed only to the person charged with the violation, unless
  that person has waived the right to a hearing or paid the amount to
  the commission.
         SECTION 44.  The heading to Section 651.503, Occupations
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.503.  LETTER OF WARNING; REPORT BY LICENSE HOLDER.
         SECTION 45.  Section 651.503(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The commission shall issue a written warning to a
  license holder if the commission:
               (1)  conducts an investigation that identifies a
  violation of this chapter by the license holder; and
               (2)  does not [issue a reprimand, assess an
  administrative penalty, or] impose any other penalty against the
  license holder.
         SECTION 46.  Section 651.505, Occupations Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (d) to read as
  follows:
         (a)  If the commission places a license holder on probation
  [a person whose license has been suspended], the commission may
  impose conditions on the probation that are reasonable and related
  to the reason the license holder was placed on probation [violation
  for which the license was suspended]. If the commission orders
  probation, the commission may require the license holder to:
               (1)  report regularly to the commission on matters that
  are the basis of the probation;
               (2)  limit practice to the areas prescribed by the
  commission; or
               (3)  continue or renew professional education until the
  license holder attains a degree of skill satisfactory to the
  commission in those areas that are the basis of the probation.
         (d)  The commission may suspend or revoke the license of a
  license holder without a hearing if the commission determines the
  license holder violated the terms of probation. The license holder
  may appeal the decision by submitting a written request for a
  hearing in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 2001,
  Government Code, not later than the 30th day after the date of the
  suspension or revocation.
         SECTION 47.  Section 651.506(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A proceeding conducted by the commission relating to an
  appeal of the denial of a license or provisional license, the
  suspension or revocation of a license, [the issuance of a
  reprimand,] or the imposition of an administrative penalty under
  Subchapter L [assessed after a hearing as provided by Section
  651.551] and judicial review of the proceeding are governed by
  Chapter 2001, Government Code.
         SECTION 48.  Section 651.506(f), Occupations Code, is
  redesignated as Section 651.50601, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.50601.  DECISION BY COMMISSION. [(f)] The
  commission shall review the findings of fact, conclusions of law,
  and ruling of the administrative law judge in a proceeding under
  Section 651.506 before making its final ruling in the proceeding.
  The commission may also review a transcript of the proceeding
  before making its final ruling. The commission shall adopt the
  ruling of the administrative law judge as its ruling unless it finds
  good cause to issue a different ruling. The commission shall
  explain in writing the reasons for adopting a ruling other than the
  one issued by the administrative law judge.
         SECTION 49.  Subchapter K, Chapter 651, Occupations Code, is
  amended by adding Section 651.5065 to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.5065.  INFORMAL PROCEEDINGS. (a) The commission
  by rule shall adopt procedures governing:
               (1)  informal disposition of a contested case under
  Section 2001.056, Government Code; and
               (2)  an informal proceeding held in compliance with
  Section 2001.054, Government Code.
         (b)  Rules adopted under this section must:
               (1)  provide the complainant and the license holder an
  opportunity to be heard; and
               (2)  require the presence of a representative of the
  commission's legal staff or of the attorney general to advise the
  commission or the commission's employees.
         SECTION 50.  Section 651.5515, Occupations Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter K, Chapter 651, Occupations Code,
  redesignated as Section 651.5075, Occupations Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 651.5075 [651.5515].  SANCTIONS SCHEDULE [PENALTY
  GUIDELINES]. (a) The commission by rule shall adopt a sanctions
  schedule [guidelines that define and summarize the violations that
  occur under this subchapter to assist the commission in maintaining
  consistency in determining the amount of an administrative penalty
  assessed under Section 651.552. Using those guidelines and the
  summary, the commission shall establish and maintain a chart] that
  lists:
               (1)  the most common violations that occur under this
  chapter;
               (2)  the types of sanctions, including administrative
  penalties, that may be imposed [penalty amounts assessed] for those
  violations; and
               (3)  the factors used to determine the sanction that
  may be imposed for [grade] each [type of] violation [before
  determining the penalty amount under Section 651.552].
         (b)  The commission shall [consider using focus groups to]
  obtain business and consumer input to match appropriate sanctions 
  [penalties] to violations before proposing the rules under this
  section.
         (c)  The commission shall post the schedule [guidelines] on
  the commission's Internet website [site].
         SECTION 51.  Section 651.552(b), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  In determining the amount of the penalty, the commission
  shall base its decision on:
               (1)  the seriousness of the violation;
               (2)  the threat the violation poses to health and
  safety;
               (3)  the history of previous violations;
               (4)  the amount necessary to deter a future violation;
               (5)  efforts made to correct the violation;
               (6)  the sanctions schedule [guidelines] adopted under
  Section 651.5075 [651.5515]; and
               (7)  any other matter that justice requires.
         SECTION 52.  Section 651.602(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A person commits an offense if the person:
               (1)  acts or holds the person out as a funeral director,
  embalmer, or provisional license holder without being licensed
  under this chapter;
               (2)  [makes a first call in a manner that] violates
  Section 651.401;
               (3)  is a funeral director, embalmer, or provisional
  license holder and engages in a funeral practice that violates this
  chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter; or
               (4)  violates Chapter 154, Finance Code, or a rule
  adopted under that chapter, regardless of whether the Texas
  Department of Banking or another governmental agency takes action
  relating to the violation.
         SECTION 53.  Section 651.652, Occupations Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 651.652.  APPLICABILITY. (a) This subchapter applies
  only to a crematory that sells goods or services related to the
  [burial or] final disposition of a body.
         SECTION 54.  The following sections of the Occupations Code
  are repealed:
               (1)  Section 651.257;
               (2)  Section 651.2595;
               (3)  Section 651.264;
               (4)  Section 651.354(d);
               (5)  Section 651.355;
               (6)  Sections 651.502(c) and (d);
               (7)  Section 651.5026;
               (8)  Section 651.504;
               (9)  Sections 651.506(g) and (h);
               (10)  Section 651.5061; and
               (11)  Section 651.559.
         SECTION 55.  Section 651.051(a)(2), Occupations Code, as
  amended by this Act, applies only to a member of the Texas Funeral
  Service Commission appointed on or after the effective date of this
  Act. A member appointed before the effective date of this Act may
  continue to serve until the expiration of the member's term.
         SECTION 56.  Sections 651.253 and 651.259, Occupations Code,
  as amended by this Act, apply only to a person who applies for a
  funeral director's license or embalmer's license on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A person who applies for a funeral
  director's license or embalmer's license before the effective date
  of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the person
  applied for that license, and the former law is continued in effect
  for that purpose.
         SECTION 57.  Section 651.2661, Occupations Code, as
  transferred, redesignated, and amended by this Act, applies only to
  a person who applies for reinstatement of a license on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A person who applies for renewal of a
  license under former Section 651.165, Occupations Code, before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the person applied for renewal, and the former law is continued
  in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 58.  Section 651.2662, Occupations Code, as
  transferred, redesignated, and amended by this Act, applies only to
  a person who applies for reinstatement of a license on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A person who applies for renewal of a
  license under former Section 651.1655, Occupations Code, before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the person applied for renewal, and the former law is continued
  in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 59.  Section 651.267, Occupations Code, as amended
  by this Act, applies only to a person who applies for reissuance of
  a license on or after the effective date of this Act. A person who
  applies for reissuance of a license before the effective date of
  this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the person
  applied for reissuance, and the former law is continued in effect
  for that purpose.
         SECTION 60.  Section 651.502, Occupations Code, as amended
  by this Act, applies only to a person who applies for the issuance
  or renewal of a license on or after the effective date of this Act. A
  person who applies for the issuance or renewal of a license before
  the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on
  the date the person applied, and the former law is continued in
  effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 61.  Section 651.5029, Occupations Code, as added by
  this Act, applies only to a violation that occurs on or after the
  effective date of this Act. A violation that occurs before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the violation occurred, and the former law is continued in
  effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 62.  Section 651.505, Occupations Code, as amended
  by this Act, applies only to a person placed on probation on or
  after the effective date of this Act. A person placed on probation
  before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law in
  effect on the date the person was placed on probation, and the
  former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 63.  Section 651.506, Occupations Code, as amended
  by this Act, and Section 651.50601, Occupations Code, as
  redesignated and amended by this Act, apply only to a proceeding
  initiated on or after the effective date of this Act. A proceeding
  initiated before the effective date of this Act is governed by the
  law in effect on the date the proceeding was initiated, and the
  former law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 64.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2017.