HB2149 Summary

• Establishes the death care industry board within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs with 11 members, including funeral service practitioners, cemetery representatives, crematorium operators, and public members.

• Requires funeral directors and cemetery salespersons to obtain valid licenses from the board; defines funeral director as anyone directing funerals, preparing human remains, disposing of remains, arranging funeral services, or selling funeral merchandise.

• Creates the death care industry board special fund to be supported by legislative appropriations, board fees, grants, and gifts for administering and enforcing the licensing requirements.

• Authorizes the board to approve examinations, grant and revoke licenses, investigate complaints, conduct inspections at least once every two years, and adopt rules governing licensure qualifications and fees.

• Effective January 1, 2024; removes previous statutory language related to undertakers and revises Chapter 469 to exclude funeral directors and cemetery salespersons from real estate licensing requirements under Chapter 467.