Montana House Bill HB932

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/23
• Refer: 3/27/23

Caption

Revise funeral services licensing and death certificate reporting laws

Impact

If enacted, HB 932 will significantly alter how funeral services are licensed and regulated in Montana. By shifting oversight from a separate board to the Department of Labor and Industry, the bill could improve efficiency in licensing processes and reduce costs associated with compliance for funeral providers. The requirement for funeral directors to register on the electronic death registration system reinforces the bill's focus on modernizing the administrative aspects of funeral services, and clarifies the transfer process for death certificates to mortuaries or crematories.

Summary

House Bill 932 aims to revise and simplify the regulatory framework surrounding funeral services in Montana by repealing the Board of Funeral Services and transferring its responsibilities to the Department of Labor and Industry. The bill creates a new licensing structure specifically for funeral directors, stipulating qualifications and the associated licensing fees. It aims to streamline the regulatory process by reducing the burden of pre-need financial reporting, thus making it easier for funeral service providers to operate within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 932 involve concerns from various stakeholders about the potential loss of regulatory oversight that the Board of Funeral Services currently provides. Critics argue that removing this board might undermine the quality and integrity of funeral services, while proponents contend that the reforms will foster a more business-friendly environment without compromising service standards. The bill's simplification of some financial reporting requirements is also a contentious topic, raising questions about accountability and consumer protections in a sensitive industry.