Vote: Committee vote · Consumer Protection
Senate Consumer ProtectionMay 20, 2026Result: passed
(7) (0) (0) (0)
Senate bill · S9233 (2025-26)
Relates to the investigation of moneys paid in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services
Latest action May 20, 2026
New York State Senate
Same as A10861, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Summary
Authorizes the bureau of funeral directing, under the direction of the commissioner of health to investigate claims brought against any person, firm or corporation relating to moneys paid in connection with agreements for funeral merchandise or services; provides that the bureau of funeral directing has the legal authority to investigate and, after due process, levy fines and sanctions on any unlicensed individuals and/or unregistered entities that are falsely acting as or representing themselves to be licensed and/or registered funeral directors and/or funeral firms in violation of the public health law.
Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries
Amends the General Business Law.
From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 21, 2026. About our data
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Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
Section 453 of the general business law is amended by adding a new subdivision 6-a to read. Prior to any special proceeding commenced by the attorney general pursuant to subdivision seven of this section, the bureau of funeral directing established under the direction of the commissioner of health pursuant to section thirty-four hundred one of the public health law, in consultation with the local district attorney, shall investigate any claims brought against any person, firm or opera- tion pursuant to this section. After ninety days of such investigation, all records, and true copies of any agreements of the alleged violations of this section shall be transferred to the attorney general. The bureau of funeral directing has the legal authority to investigate and, after due process, levy fines and sanctions on any unlicensed indi- viduals and/or unregistered entities that are falsely acting as or representing themselves to be license and/or registered funeral direc- tors and/or funeral firms in violation of the public health law. Section 2 provides that this act shall take effect immediately.
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where it stands
Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Consumer Affairs and Protection · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Consumer Protection · New York State Senate.
Cosponsors
Carrie Woerner, Jeffrey Dinowitz and 2 more on Agora
Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab)- Democratic4
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The sponsor's argument
Why Jessica Scarcella-Spanton says this is needed
Prepaid funeral agreements are meant to give grieving families financial security and peace of mind during one of life's most difficult moments. Yet recent cases in New York have exposed troubling abuses in which funds entrusted for funeral services were allegedly misused for personal expenses, including gambling and luxury spending. Such actions represent a devastating betrayal of trust. Families, already vulnerable due to the loss of a loved one, may find themselves financially defrauded and left without the services they believed had been secured. These abuse not only harm individual families but also erode public confidence in the funeral industry.. Currently, enforce- ment in these cases is left primarily to the Attorney General after violations occur, often resulting in delayed relief for families. By empowering the Bureau of Funeral Directing to investigate complaints in coordination with local district attorneys, this bill establishes an earlier safeguard. Families will have a dedicated investigative channel, and cases of potential fraud can be documented and escalated more effec- tively. This legislation reinforces accountability, protects consumers at their most vulnerability, and strengthens oversight of an industry that requires the highest ethical standards.
This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.
Recorded votes
Full history
- May 20, 2026
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO HEALTH
NY Senate
- Apr 8, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION
NY Assembly
- Feb 18, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO CONSUMER PROTECTION
NY Senate