This bill is good not just for Californians, but for out of state relatives needing to make funeral arrangements. Beginning in 2013, they can shop online to compare funeral prices. Caveat: Large corporate funeral chains will likely have sophisticated websites, but research shows they also tend to have higher prices.
Consumers should be advised that “mom & pop” local funeral homes (that may not have a website) often have lower prices. Under FTC regulations, all funeral businesses must give prices over the phone or a printed price list if you ask in person.
Thanks to Ed Howard of the Center for Public Interest Law for seeing the need for online price information and making this bill happen.
