The licensing and regulation of persons who provide services in relation to the deceased; creating a criminal offense and increasing the punishment for an existing criminal offense; expanding the application of a fee

Texas House Bill 5278 (HB5278), introduced in March 2025 by Representative Keith Bell, aimed to establish licensing and regulatory requirements for individuals providing services related to the deceased. The bill proposed creating new criminal offenses, increasing penalties for existing offenses, and expanding the application of certain fees. However, the bill was withdrawn from the schedule on April 14, 2025, and did not progress further in the legislative process.

While specific media coverage on HB5278 is limited, proponents of the bill likely viewed it as a necessary measure to ensure that services related to the deceased are conducted professionally and ethically. By introducing licensing requirements and stricter regulations, the bill aimed to protect consumers and uphold standards within the funeral service industry.

Critics of HB5278 may have expressed concerns about the potential for increased regulatory burdens on small businesses and individuals providing services related to the deceased. They might have argued that the creation of new criminal offenses and the expansion of fees could lead to higher costs for consumers and limit the availability of services, particularly in rural or underserved areas.