A bill to regulate pre-need funeral contracts in Missouri will now go to the Governor

Intro: A bill regulating pre-need funeral contracts is on it's way to the Governor's desk after moving through the Senate Wednesday.

Jennifer Meckles has more from the State Capitol.

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If signed by Governor Nixon, the bill will require funeral home providers and insurance companies to hold licenses for their services.

This legislation comes after a St. Louis based company left 55,000 Missourians without funeral coverage in 2008.

Southwest Republican Representative Jay Wasson pushed the bill through the house.

He says its will keep contract providers in line.

Actuality: WASSON2.WAV

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Description: "The best word I can use is accountability. "That's what we tried to do is make the business accountable to the consumers."

The Senate passed the bill with overwhelming support, with only two senators in opposition.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Jennifer Meckles.

Intro: A bill regulating pre-need funeral contracts passed with overwhelming support in the Senate Wednesday.

Jennifer Meckles has more from the State Capitol.

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The bill would require regulations for funeral businesses when creating pre-need contracts and insurance services.

Bill co-sponsor Southwest Republican Senator Jay Wasson says the funeral industry supports the bill.

Actuality: WASSON3.WAV

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Description: "Almost every entity that I know in the funeral business was behind it and on board. We had no opposition."

Wasson said the bill met similar support here in the Capitol.

Actuality: WASSER5.WAV

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Description: "We passed it without a single 'NO' vote in the House, and I think there may have only been two in the Senate."

And now he has confidence as the legislation goes to the Governor's desk.

Actuality: WASSER4.WAV

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Description: "I believe he will sign it."

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Jennifer Meckles.

Intro: The Senate passed a bill Wednesday that will ensure your funeral plans are protected.

Jennifer Meckles has more from the State Capitol.

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OutCue: SOC

If signed by the Governor, the bill will regulate pre-need funeral contracts in Missouri.

Last year, St. Louis based National Pre-arranged Services went bankrupt and left 55,000 Missourians without coverage.

Bill co-sponsor Southwest Republican Representative Jay Wasson says that under this bill, you won't lose the funeral you paid for.

Actuality: WASSON.WAV

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Description: "This money can't get out of trusts. People can't be taking the interests. They can't be pulling the money out of it. If it's put there, its going to stay there."

The bill passed with an overwhelming majority in the Senate.

It now goes to the Governor's desk for a final decision.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Jennifer Meckles.