HCS SB 854 -- FUNERAL DIRECTORS

SPONSOR: Clay (Relford)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing by a vote of 17 to 0.

This substitute requires all persons wishing to enter into the profession of funeral directing to make application with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. Applicants are not entitled to a license until they have served a 12 month apprenticeship in a licensed funeral establishment and provided proof that they have arranged and conducted at least 10 funerals within that 12 month apprenticeship. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, applicants will be tested by the board, pay the appropriate fees, and have 24 months to further complete the licensure requirements.

The substitute also allows licensed embalmers or persons who have graduated from an accredited school of mortuary sciences to make application with the board to become a licensed funeral director. They must meet the same criteria as funeral directors, except that they are exempt from the 12 month apprenticeship.

FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Loss to Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors' Fund of $5,300 in FY 1999, FY 2000, and FY 2001.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill is needed to better educate and prepare funeral directors. It will also streamline the licensing process, making it cheaper.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Relford; Missouri Funeral Directors Board; Missouri Funeral Directors Association; and St. Louis Community College.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

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