Lawmaker Encouraging Public Testimony On Bill Designed To Help Victims Of Funeral Care Fraud

HARTFORD – Following the multiple arrests of an area funeral director accused of embezzling client funds for persona use, state Rep. Tammy Nuccio has developed legislation focused on helping victims recover financial losses.

The proposal, HB 5381, would establish a Funeral Service Compensation Account to provide grants to individuals and families who have been harmed by fraudulent or unlawful funeral service practices.

The legislation was drafted in response to the allegations against local funeral home owner Phillip Pietras, 51, who has been charged with multiple accounts related to intent to defraud funeral service contracts to support personal trips.

Multiple families reported that money entrusted for funeral services was mishandled.

"No family should have to endure the emotional and financial pain of losing a loved one and then discover the money they trusted someone with was mishandled or stolen," Rep. Nuccio said. "This legislation is about accountability and making sure victims have a path toward being made whole."

HB 5381 will be the subject of an upcoming public hearing before the Appropriations Committee on Thursday. Nuccio is encouraging residents, especially those affected by similar
situations, to share their perspectives with lawmakers.

"Public testimony plays a critical role in shaping legislation," Nuccio said. "Hearing directly from residents helps lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these issues and why stronger protections are necessary."

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Residents can review the bill, sign up to testify at the public hearing, or submit written testimony using the links below (the deadline to sign up to testify in person is March 11 by 3 p.m.):

Read the bill:
cga.ct.gov/cgafiles/2025/cgabillstatus.asp

Sign up to testify:
zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CXZiXZ-8RGi163h2XXa0tw

Submit written testimony:
cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx