We’ve previously reported on the controversies that have plagued the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) over the last year. The shakeups began when Scott Bingaman, the TFSC’s Executive Director, was fired after less than a year on the job. It was a decision that was made after a vote from the TFSC board behind closed doors.
At the center of the TFSC controversy was a board member, Kristin Tips. She had been the presiding officer of the Commission since May 2024 and was appointed to the TFSC by Governor Abbot in 2017. Though Governor Abbot thanked Tips for her service, there were questions about her motives as a member of the Commission given her connection to the funeral industry.
Why Kristin Tips Resigned From the Texas Funeral Services Commission
There had been calls for Tips’ resignation since Bingaman’s firing. In fact, Bingaman was among the most vocal opponents that had called for her to step down. Others within the Texas Funeral Service Commission spoke up in support of Bingaman.
But questions about Tips’ actions on the Commission apparently began before all of that.
Shortly after his firing, Bingaman sued the TFSC Commissioners who voted for his removal. He made a number of allegations, primarily against Tips. The lawsuit noted that Bingaman had brought up concerns with Governor Abbott’s office in regards to Tips. Bingaman felt that Tips was inappropriately using TFSC resources for her own gain and to lobby in her favor. He asserted that she had “crossed ethical and legal lines.”
And how did the Commissioners respond? With filings and assertions of their own against Bingaman. They finally put some reasoning to their decision to fire Bingaman, claiming that he had undermined the Commission, lost the public trust and misappropriated funds.
On one side there were the Commissioners putting their support behind Tips, and on the other side there were staffers who openly supported Bingaman. The controversy got more controversial when more TFSC staff members were let go.
The root of the issue is that Tips, along with her husband, operate Mission Parks Funeral Chapels, Cemeteries & Crematories in San Antonio, TX. That’s where the alleged conflict of interest comes in.
It’s been alleged that Tips provided misinformation to Bingaman in an effort to put caps on the payout that families receive after suing a funeral home. Tips had also allegedly made suggestions for changing the TFSC’s jurisdiction over cemetery construction regulations that would be beneficial for her businesses.
At the very least, the allegations call into question if someone with business ties to the funeral industry is best suited to regulate it.
It should be noted that Tips wasn’t the only funeral industry insider on the Commission. Two other Commissioners also work within the funeral industry. This is actually intentional. Up until now, the rationale has been that funeral industry insiders have a special understanding of how the industry operates, which helps in regulating it.
The problem is, anyone who has financial ties to funeral services could use the position to prioritize their own interests over that of protecting the public. They could also use their regulatory powers to unfairly stifle competition.
At first the circumstances weren’t clear, but it’s come to light that Tips decided to resign from her position at the TFSC back on March 19, 2026. She provided the Commission with no reason for the resignation and hasn’t made any public statements about it. There are still many details that are unknown that will likely come to light in the weeks ahead.
What the Latest TFSC Changes Could Mean For Texans
Now the real question, how might this impact Texans who need to arrange funeral services? When there are major changes among controversy at the Commission that regulates the state’s funeral industry, it’s understandable to wonder what the trickle down effect will be.
New Commissioner Could Mean Operational Changes
There’s no word yet on who will replace Tips, but whoever it is will influence how funeral services are regulated in Texas. Eric Opiela was appointed to the role of presiding officer, but there’s no word yet on who the new board member will be to fill the vacant spot.
Opiela has stated that he’s still adjusting to his role at the head of the TSFC, and it’s too early to tell how he will take the Commission in a new direction.
Governor Abbott’s office has said Tips replacement will be announced at a later date. There’s no indication of when exactly that will be and who it will be. But given how things have shook down, the replacement probably won’t be a funeral home operator.
Weak Links Revealed But No Resolutions Yet
The fallout that followed Bingaman’s firing prompted a closer look at how the TFSC was functioning as a whole. What was found didn’t reflect well on the Commission. Internal audits found that the Commission has:
- High staff turnover
- Incomplete and missing paperwork
- Poorly secured files
- Struggles addressing consumer complaints in a timely fashion
Those findings are concerning given that the top priority for the Commission is protecting public interests. And to date, there have been no announcements for changing how the TFSC functions in order to close the gaps.
The ongoing turmoil is actually an opportunity for the TFSC. Now is the perfect time for the state to examine how the Commission got to its current state and what can be done to improve how it operates to better serve the public while regulating the death care industry.
Cremation.Green is very active in the Texas death care industry. In addition to being the first carbon-neutral funeral home that has expanded green funeral services for Texans, we continue to play a role in informing state representatives and appointed officials that regulate funeral homes. We work tirelessly to ensure that consumers in Texas have disposition freedom and accurate information to make the best decisions for themselves and loved ones.
If you’d like to know more about the death care industry in Texas or need help arranging services, please contact us however and whenever is most convenient for you.