Rep. Nuccio Encourages Public Testimony on Bill to Help Victims of Funeral Home Fraud

HARTFORD – Following a deeply troubling case in Tolland and Vernon in which families were allegedly defrauded by a funeral home operator, State Representative Tammy Nuccio, R-Tolland, has developed legislation focused on helping victims recover financial losses.

The proposal, HB 5381, would establish a Funeral Service Compensation Account to provide grants to individuals and families who have been harmed by fraudulent or unlawful funeral service practices.

The legislation was drafted in response to allegations involving a local funeral home, where multiple families reported that money entrusted for funeral services was mishandled or stolen.

“No family should have to endure the emotional and financial pain of losing a loved one and then discover the money they trusted someone with was mishandled or stolen,” Rep. Nuccio said. “This legislation is about accountability and making sure victims have a path toward being made whole.”

HB 5381 will be the subject of an upcoming public hearing before the Appropriations Committee on Thursday, March 12 and Rep. Nuccio is encouraging residents, especially those affected by similar situations, to share their perspectives with lawmakers.

“Public testimony plays a critical role in shaping legislation,” Nuccio said. “Hearing directly from residents helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these issues and why stronger protections are necessary.”

Residents can review the bill, sign up to testify at the public hearing, or submit written testimony using the links below (the deadline to sign up to testify in person is March 11 by 3 p.m.):

Read the bill: https://www.cga.ct.gov/cgafiles/2025/cgabillstatus.asp

Sign up to testify: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CXZiXZ-8RGi163h2XXa0tw

Submit written testimony: https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx

Nuccio noted that anyone who has been affected by funeral service fraud, or who believes stronger protections for families are needed, is encouraged to participate in the process.