Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2240

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Engrossed
3/14/23  
Refer
3/29/23  
Report Pass
4/10/23  
Enrolled
4/19/23  

Caption

Professions and occupations; Funeral Services Licensing Act; lowering age qualification for licensure; emergency.

Impact

The impact of HB 2240 on state laws is significant as it directly revises the qualifications for licensure in a critical profession. By allowing eighteen-year-olds to obtain licenses for funeral directing or embalming, the legislation is expected to increase the pool of available professionals in the state, thereby enhancing service availability. The revisions to the age requirement may lead to an increase in new entrants into the profession who can provide essential services during times of need such as emergencies or spikes in demand for funeral services.

Summary

House Bill 2240 amends the Oklahoma Funeral Services Licensing Act by lowering the minimum age requirement for individuals seeking to become licensed funeral directors or embalmers from twenty to eighteen years. This legislative change is designed to attract younger individuals into the profession, expanding access to licensure in the funeral services sector and potentially alleviating workforce shortages in this field. The bill also declares an emergency, signifying the immediate necessity for its passage and implementation to address ongoing needs in funeral services during emergencies.

Sentiment

General sentiment around the bill appears to support the intent to modernize and adapt licensure regulations in response to current workforce challenges in the funeral industry. Advocates argue that lowering the age for licensure could help attract and retain younger professionals who are interested in careers in mortuary science. However, there may also be concerns from some sectors about the readiness and maturity of younger individuals to handle the responsibilities inherent in funeral services, suggesting a potential divide in perspectives on the effectiveness of this legislative change.

Contention

Points of contention may focus on the implications of allowing younger individuals into what is often a demanding and emotionally challenging field. Critics may question whether those aged eighteen possess the necessary maturity and experience to undertake roles that require significant interaction with grieving families and management of sensitive situations. Opponents might advocate for retaining the previous age restriction to ensure that only well-prepared and experienced individuals are entrusted with such responsibilities, while supporters of the bill will likely emphasize the need for a more adaptable and inclusive licensing framework.

Companion Bills

OK HB2240

Carry Over Professions and occupations; Funeral Services Licensing Act; lowering age qualification for licensure; emergency.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2240

Professions and occupations; Funeral Services Licensing Act; lowering age qualification for licensure; emergency.

OK SB957

Funeral Services Licensing Act; removing required accreditation for education of certain licensure. Effective date.

OK HB1074

Professions and occupations; Funeral Services Licensing Act; definition; exception; effective date.

OK HB2429

Professions and occupations; Fire Extinguisher Licensing Act; lowering age qualification; removing requirements for license application; modifying application for licensing; effective date.

OK SB356

Funeral Services Licensing Act; requiring funeral establishments to provide notice of subcontractors or agents hired for services. Effective date.

OK HB2141

State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering; licensing fees; increasing fees; emergency.

OK HB1793

Professions and occupations; modifying various provisions of the State Architectural and Registered Commercial Interior Designers Act; effective date; emergency.

OK HB1345

Professions and occupations; Psychologists Licensing Act; providing for reciprocity; effective date.

OK SB72

Licensing; Oklahoma Cosmetology and Barbering Act; removing certain violation for certain unlawful acts. Effective date.

OK HB1078

Professions and occupations; The Plumbing License Law of 1955; providing qualifications for journeyman plumber examination; effective date.

Similar Bills

NJ A3940

Modifies regulation of mortuary science and establishes oversight of mortuary and embalming science.

NJ S1635

Modifies regulation of mortuary science and establishes oversight of mortuary and embalming science.

NJ A4085

Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains.

NJ S3007

Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains.

NJ S4043

Provides for regulation of funeral arranging.

NJ A5686

Provides for regulation of funeral arranging.

CO SB173

Regulate Mortuary Science Occupations

OK HB1365

Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Funeral Directors and Embalmers Examination; effective date.