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The removal of the Texas Funeral Commission chair exposes ongoing concerns about transparency and conflicts of interest within the state’s funeral industry oversight.Plano Today
Kristin Tips is no longer serving as presiding officer of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, marking the latest development in months-long controversy surrounding the troubled state agency. Tips, a San Antonio funeral executive, faced allegations of using her position to benefit her private funeral business and improperly advocating for legislation that could limit liability for funeral homes.
Why it matters
The removal of Tips as chair of the Texas Funeral Service Commission highlights ongoing issues of transparency, accountability and potential conflicts of interest within the agency tasked with regulating the funeral industry in the state. The controversy raises broader questions about the influence of industry insiders on regulatory bodies and the need for stronger oversight to ensure the public’s trust.
The details
Tips, who has led Mission Park Funeral Chapels alongside her husband, was first appointed to the commission in 2017 and named chair in May 2024. Her exit comes as the agency faces mounting scrutiny over internal turmoil, legal battles and allegations of misconduct. Before his termination in 2025, former executive director Scott Bingaman accused Tips of using agency resources to benefit her private business interests and engaging in improper lobbying tied to proposed legislation. Tips and other commissioners denied those claims, arguing Bingaman mismanaged agency funds and undermined operations. At least six employees, including senior attorneys, investigators and licensing staff, were dismissed in the months following Bingaman’s termination, with some former staffers saying they were targeted for raising ethical concerns or for supporting Bingaman.
In 2025, commissioners fired executive director Scott Bingaman less than a year into his tenure.In August 2026, scrutiny extended to Tips’ own business, with Mission Park Funeral Chapels facing multiple lawsuits over the years.
The players
Kristin Tips
A San Antonio funeral executive who has led Mission Park Funeral Chapels alongside her husband and was the presiding officer of the Texas Funeral Service Commission until her recent removal.
Scott Bingaman
The former executive director of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, who was fired in 2025 and has an ongoing lawsuit against the commission.
Greg Abbott
The governor of Texas, whose office confirmed Tips’ departure from the commission.
Suleman Lalani
A Muslim state representative in Texas, whom Tips allegedly blamed for the failure of a cemetery bill she supported.
Eric Opiela
The newly named presiding officer of the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
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What they’re saying
“Governor Abbott appreciates Kristin Tips’ service. An announcement on a replacement will be made at a later date.”
— Andrew Mahaleris, Spokesperson for Governor Greg Abbott
“Bingaman misappropriated funds, undermined the statutory functions of the Commission, and violated public trust.”
— Kristin Tips and other commissioners
“It would be very difficult to prove that the board chair was self-dealing. Texas regulatory boards are often composed of industry members whose expertise can overlap with personal financial interests.”
— Cal Jillson, Political science professor, Southern Methodist University
What’s next
The commission’s interim leadership and newly named presiding officer Eric Opiela have not responded to requests for comment, and Bingaman’s lawsuit against the commission is ongoing. The agency’s ability to effectively oversee the funeral industry in Texas remains a concern, with a growing backlog of licensing applications, delayed renewals and hundreds of unresolved complaints.
The takeaway
The removal of Kristin Tips as chair of the Texas Funeral Service Commission highlights the need for greater transparency, accountability and independence within regulatory bodies that oversee industries with inherent conflicts of interest. This case underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to ensure public trust and prevent the blurring of lines between regulators and the businesses they are tasked with overseeing.