MO SB340

Removes residency restrictions for funeral director and embalmer licenses, eliminating requirements that applicants be Missouri citizens or bona fide residents or residents of contiguous counties.

Changes education requirements to accept programs accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or other board-approved accrediting entities instead of limiting to specific mortuary science institutions.

Extends the deadline for completing embalming licensure requirements from examination appearance to five years from program completion, with automatic cancellation of apprenticeship status if requirements not met within that timeframe.

Modifies the state board of embalmers and funeral directors composition to require member diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, and geographic regions, and removes previous requirements for audited financial statements.

Revises preneed contract procedures to clarify seller responsibilities for obtaining funds from financial institutions in joint account and trust-funded contracts, requiring sellers to take necessary steps to secure payment from institutions rather than institutions distributing directly.