MS HB1159

Amends Mississippi funeral service licensure law to define terms including "first call," "branch establishment," "mortuary service establishment," and various license types for funeral establishments.

Removes the two consecutive term limit for State Board of Funeral Service members and allows them to continue serving until successors are appointed and confirmed.

Establishes four funeral establishment license classifications: full-service, branch, mortuary service, and crematory establishments, with specific facility and operational requirements for each.

Authorizes the board to establish a trainee and apprenticeship program requiring at least 1,000 working hours over 12 months under direct supervision of a licensed funeral director or service practitioner.

Requires funeral establishments to obtain permission from next of kin before removing or taking custody of a dead body, and prohibits responding to death calls unless properly contacted and requested.