It’s always hard to believe that there are those who would take financial advantage of people when they are grieving over the recent loss of a loved one, but that, unfortunately is sometimes the case.

In light of recent complaints about Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, local residents may be supportive of a bill being considered in the Kansas Legislature. The measure would curb predatory pricing such as charging unreasonably high fees for any monument company except the one owned by the cemetery to install a grave marker.

Supporters of the bill also hope it can be expanded to include the creation of a state commission that could supervise cemeteries and ensure they conform to all state regulations. A commission would provide a place for consumers to take their cemetery complaints.

Such a commission also would have considerable appeal for Memorial Park Cemetery critics who are awaiting the results of an investigation by the Kansas Attorney General to see whether maintenance money is being properly used. The main drawback to such a commission is the fact it would add to the state’s bureaucracy. Could responsibility for handling such consumer complaints be handled by an existing agency without creating and staffing a new one?

Owning and operating cemeteries has become a viable, even lucrative, business for some people, most of whom provide good service to bereaved families. It’s good that the Legislature is looking at ways to make sure all cemeteries in the state measure up in terms of service and maintenance.