Rep. Nuccio Applauds Advancement in the House of Bill to Help Victims of Funeral Home Fraud

HARTFORD – State Representative Tammy Nuccio, R-Tolland, is applauding House passage of legislation aimed at assisting victims harmed by fraudulent or unlawful funeral service practices. The bill passed the House with no opposition by a vote of 146 to 0.

Representative Nuccio crafted the proposal, HB 5381, which establishes a Funeral Service Guaranty Account, to provide restitution to individuals and families who were victimized by fraudulent funeral service practices. The legislation was drafted in response to troubling allegations involving a funeral home with locations in Tolland, Vernon, East Windsor and Coventry where multiple families reported that money entrusted for funeral services was mishandled or stolen.

The bill previously advanced from the Appropriations Committee in April with strong bipartisan support and passed the House on Tuesday. HB 5381 now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“For the families who were affected, this wasn’t just about money, it was about a terrible breach of trust,” said Rep. Nuccio, the Committee's Ranking House Member. “Families had planned ahead and had entrusted money for services, and instead of being met with compassion and professionalism, they were taken advantage of in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That’s something no family should ever have to endure.”

“Today’s passage is a significant step forward for these families. It sends a clear message that we hear them, and we are committed to helping them rebuild after what they’ve gone through. This bill creates a path forward to restitution for victims, many of whom lost thousands in this alleged fraud. I urge the Senate to take action so we can deliver the accountability and support these families deserve.”

Rep. Nuccio can be contacted at Tammy.Nuccio@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow her legislative activity by visiting her website, www.cthousegop.com/Nuccio or on Facebook by clicking here.