Bereaved Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 2009

H. R. 3655, Bereaved Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 2009, was introduced to the House of Representatives in September of 2009. It would direct the Federal Trade Commission to establish rules to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices related to the provision of funeral services. Here is the official summary:

9/25/2009--Introduced.Bereaved Consumer's Bill of Rights Act of 2009 - Requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prescribe rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the provision of funeral goods or services. Includes among such rules requirements pertaining to: (1) costs and fees; (2) contract language and disclosures; (3) rules, regulations, and conditions of purchases; and (4) cemetery records. Makes the rules applicable to tax-exempt organizations, religious organizations, and states and political subdivisions. Allows a state, as parens patriae, to bring a civil action on behalf of its residents in U.S. district court to enjoin an act or practice that violates an FTC rule issued under this Act, enforce compliance with the rule, or obtain other relief. Requires a state to provide notice to the FTC of any such action and gives the agency the right to intervene. Prohibits a state, during the pendency of an action instituted by or on behalf of the FTC, from instituting a civil action for violation of a rule against a defendant named in the agency's complaint.

The full text can be viewed here.