Sec. 23. (a) A contract is invalid if the contract allows the purchaser the right to:
(1) convert, substitute, or exchange the purchase of burial rights for the purchase of services or merchandise;
(2) free services or merchandise in exchange for the purchase of other services or merchandise; or
(3) receive cash or gifts, other than burial rights and services and merchandise, with a value of more than fifty dollars ($50) as an inducement to purchase a contract.
(b) A contract is unenforceable if:
(1) the contract obligates the seller to provide prepaid services or merchandise for a named individual in conjunction with the death, burial, or final disposition of the individual;
(2) the purchaser under the contract is the attorney in fact, appointed under IC 30-5, of the purchaser.
(3) the death of the named individual appears to have been the result of:
(A) murder (IC 35-42-1-1);
(B) voluntary manslaughter (IC 35-42-1-3); or
(C) another criminal act, if the death does not result from the operation of a vehicle; and
(4) the coroner, in consultation with the law enforcement agency investigating the death of the decedent, determines that there is a reasonable suspicion that the purchaser referred to in subdivision (2) committed the offense.
The coroner, in consultation with the law enforcement agency investigating the death of the decedent, shall inform the seller of the determination of the purchaser described in subdivision (4).
As added by P.L.200-1991, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.241-1995, SEC.12; P.L.102-2007, SEC.4; P.L.34-2011, SEC.9.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 30. Trusts and Fiduciaries
Chapter 13. Payment of Funeral, Burial Services, or Merchandise in Advance of Need
30-2-13-1. Applicability of Chapter
30-2-13-2.5. "At-Need Services and Merchandise"
30-2-13-8. "Prepaid Services or Merchandise" or "Services or Merchandise"
30-2-13-11. "Trustee" or "Escrow Agent, Acting as a Fiduciary"
30-2-13-11.5. "Cash Advance Item"
30-2-13-12.1. Contracts Entered Into After December 31, 1995, and Before July 1, 1999
30-2-13-12.5. Contracts Entered Into After June 30, 1999
30-2-13-13. Designation of Successor Sellers
30-2-13-17. Successors to Seller; Obligations
30-2-13-18. Compensation and Expenses of Trustee; Withdrawal of Tax Liability
30-2-13-20. Funeral Service Contracts; Ratification by Funeral Director
30-2-13-21. Agents of Seller; Seller Liability; Written Statement
30-2-13-22. Seller Bond or Permit
30-2-13-23. Contracts; Invalid Provisions; Unenforceable Contracts
30-2-13-24. Seller or Agent; Prohibited Acts
30-2-13-25. Solicitation of Sales; Conditions
30-2-13-26. Confidentiality of Contracts
30-2-13-28. Preneed Consumer Protection Fund; Establishment; Funding
30-2-13-29. Fund Uses; Complaints; Annual Review
30-2-13-30. Seller Records and Books
30-2-13-32. General Price List
30-2-13-33. Certificates of Authority
30-2-13-35. Seller Misrepresentation
30-2-13-36. Suspension of Certificates of Authority; Fines
30-2-13-38. Uncured Deceptive Acts; Violations; Injunctive Relief; Private Right of Action
30-2-13-39. Prohibited Relationships Between Sellers and Trustees or Escrow Agents