HB1711 Summary

• Expands State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors authority to regulate embalming, cremation, funeral directing, human remains transportation, and funeral establishments; allows board secretary-treasurer position to be filled by non-licensed person if no board member willing to serve

• Establishes licensing and qualification requirements for crematory retort operators and human remains transport service operators, including age requirements, educational credentials, exam passage, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration training

• Requires funeral establishments to maintain general liability insurance and increases criminal penalties for unlicensed practice from Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony

• Creates new sections 17-29-314 and 17-29-315 to govern crematory retort operator and transport service qualifications, including apprenticeship requirements and board approval processes

• Repeals Subchapter 6 (17-29-601 through 17-29-606) establishing the financial assistance program for Arkansas residents attending out-of-state funeral service colleges