Legislation

§ 226. Guide to actions when someone close dies. 1. The office shall
publish a "Guide to Actions When Someone Close Dies". Within one year of
the effective date of this section, this guide shall be made publicly
available on the official website of the office and the office may also
produce a paper format.

2. The guide shall provide information in at least the following
domains:

(a) Economic security, including but not limited to, pensions, social
security, life insurance, health insurance, and death benefits. This
information shall also refer to the resources provided by the department
of taxation and finance regarding estate taxes.

(b) Legal, including how to access death certificates, wills, trust
documents and other legal information needed to plan for the future.

(c) Mental health assistance, including information on the grieving
process, triggers and symptoms associated with grief, effective coping
strategies, the impact on family dynamics in relation to the loss of
someone close, and other mental health concerns correlated with grief.

(d) Disposition of remains including funeral and service arrangements
and burials. This information shall refer to the resources provided by
the department of health's bureau of funeral directing.

(e) Other information as determined by the office.

3. The office may choose to seek consultation with and advice from
representatives from the following professions as well as any state
agency representatives, which may include:

(a) Funeral directors;

(b) Cemeteries;

(c) Mental health professionals with specific knowledge of grief
counseling;

(d) Attorneys specialized in estate planning, including the New York
state bar association;

(e) Tax professionals; and

(f) Clergy.