Mississippi House Bill HB1045

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Funeral directing; issue license for to persons who meet certain criteria and apply within a certain 30 day period.

Impact

The amendments introduced by HB 1045 are expected to enhance the workforce in funeral directing by allowing experienced individuals to obtain the necessary licenses to practice legally in Mississippi. By streamlining the application process and establishing clear eligibility criteria, including the necessity for hands-on experience at licensed funeral establishments, the bill aims to ensure that those who step into the funeral service profession meet a standard of competency while also promoting inclusivity for older applicants. This allows for a transition of knowledge within the field, potentially benefiting a generation of funeral service workers.

Summary

House Bill 1045 amends Section 73-11-51 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to establish specific criteria under which the State Board of Funeral Service must issue licenses for the practice of funeral directing. The bill permits individuals who are fifty years of age or older and have substantial experience in the field to apply for a license within a designated thirty-day application window. This change aims to facilitate the licensing process for qualified individuals who may have been previously underutilized in the workforce due to age or reduced access to licensing opportunities.

Contention

The main points of contention surrounding HB 1045 arise from concerns over the qualifications required for licensing and the implementation of age-based criteria. Critics argue that while encouraging older applicants to enter the field is beneficial, it could raise questions around quality assurance and adherence to the evolving standards of funeral service practice. The bill's provisions also make significant changes to existing licensing procedures, which some stakeholders may view as either a progressive advancement or a significant shift that could impact the existing regulatory framework. Stakeholders will likely debate the balance between increasing access for experienced professionals and maintaining high standards across the licensing process.