State lawmaker looks to change casket sales in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker is introducing a bill that would allow Oklahomans to purchase caskets from someone other than a funeral director.<br/><br/>Under Oklahoma law, only licensed funeral

Tuesday, December 13th 2005, 6:09 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A state lawmaker is introducing a bill that would allow Oklahomans to purchase caskets from someone other than a funeral director.

Under Oklahoma law, only licensed funeral directors can sell caskets. But Representative Paul Wesselhoft says he plans to introduce a bill that would change that law.

The Moore Republican says he believes funeral directors are enjoying a monopoly on casket sales that drives up the price consumers pay.

Oklahoma Funeral Board Director Terry McEnany says Oklahomans already can purchase caskets over the Internet or from out-of-state sellers. But he says he sees no need to change the law that allows only funeral directors to sell caskets in Oklahoma.

He says he looks forward to reviewing Wesselhoft's bill to determine how it will affect Oklahoma consumers.