SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6043
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 16, 2012
Title: An act relating to prohibiting cemetery districts from selling certain memorial markers if private retailers or wholesalers of these markers are located within fifty miles of the district.
Brief Description: Prohibiting cemetery districts from selling certain memorial markers if private retailers or wholesalers of these markers are located within fifty miles of the district.
Sponsors: Senators Schoesler, Kastama, Honeyford, Harper, Swecker, Carrell, Padden, Pflug, Hargrove, Eide, Shin and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections: 1/12/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS |
Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)
Background: Cemetery districts are municipal corporations and have the power to acquire, establish, maintain, manage, improve, and operate cemeteries and to conduct any and all business of a cemetery.
A cemetery district may include within its boundaries the lands within the limits of any incorporated city or town, and the district may acquire any cemetery or cemeteries maintained and operated by such city or town.
The affairs of a cemetery district are managed by a board of cemetery district commissioners that is composed of three members.
There are 103 cemetery districts and 77 cities and towns that are known to operate municipal cemeteries in Washington.
Summary of Bill: No cemetery district may sell monuments, headstones, tombstones, or any other memorial markers if a private retailer or wholesaler of these products is located within 50 miles of the boundary of the cemetery district.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: CON: This bill is about constraint of trade. There is no need for this bill. Competition is good for cemetery districts and private businesses.
Persons Testifying: CON: TK, Bentler; Washington Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association.