Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1031

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to a provisional license to practice funeral directing or embalming.

Impact

The implications of SB1031 are significant for both aspiring funeral directors and the regulatory landscape. The bill allows provisional license holders to gain practical experience while ensuring that they are adequately supervised, thereby enhancing the protection for the public. However, the bill also introduces stricter penalties for failure to comply with licensing requirements, such as the cancellation of licenses if renewal fees are not paid timely or if the holder does not fulfill training requirements. This could create hurdles for individuals who face challenges in completing their licensing education within the set timeframe. Furthermore, the reapplication process for those who do not finish requirements adds another layer of oversight but also complexity.

Summary

SB1031 relates to the issuance of provisional licenses for funeral directing and embalming in the state of Texas. The bill amends the existing statutes within the Occupations Code to provide a clearer pathway for individuals seeking to enter the funeral profession under supervision. It specifies that applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet educational requirements or be enrolled in an accredited mortuary science program, ensuring that those holding provisional licenses have a foundational understanding of the profession. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for direct supervision by licensed funeral directors or embalmers during practice, which is intended to maintain higher standards within the field.

Contention

Notably, the bill faced some contention during discussions, particularly surrounding the provisions for reapplication and the potential penalties for noncompliance. Critics expressed concerns that the stringent requirements might discourage individuals from pursuing careers in funeral services, especially those from less privileged backgrounds who may struggle with the financial implications of penalties. Moreover, there is a dialogue on whether the current framework sufficiently addresses the need for practical experience without creating barriers to entry. Supporters advocate that these measures are necessary to protect public health and ensure the quality of funeral services, underscoring the balance needed between accessibility and regulatory oversight.

Companion Bills

TX HB1219

Identical Relating to a provisional license to practice funeral directing or embalming; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

Previously Filed As

TX SB1700

Relating to the licensing and authority of advanced practice registered nurses.

TX HB5074

Relating to the issuance of a license to practice medicine to certain applicants licensed or educated in a foreign country.

TX HB4071

Relating to the licensing and regulation of advanced practice registered nurses.

TX SB2040

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and anatomical facilities, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; requiring registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1493

Relating to the licensing in this state of a person licensed in another jurisdiction to practice marriage and family therapy or professional counseling.

TX HB1510

Relating to the continuation and transfer of the regulation of willed body programs to the Texas Funeral Service Commission, the regulation of willed body programs, non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, and anatomical facilities, and the creation of the State Anatomical Advisory Committee; requiring registration; authorizing fees; authorizing an administrative penalty.

TX SB1414

Relating to the temporary regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

TX SB1491

Relating to the licensing in this state of a person licensed in another jurisdiction to practice psychology, marriage and family therapy, or professional counseling.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

TX HB4123

Relating to access to and use of certain criminal history record information.

Similar Bills

TX HB1219

Relating to a provisional license to practice funeral directing or embalming; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty.

TX HB1893

Relating to the Texas Funeral Service Commission and the regulation of funeral directing and embalming.

LA HB911

Provides relative to provisional occupational licenses for ex-offenders

AZ SB1043

Genetic counselors; licensure

LA HB1273

Provides relative to the issuance of provisional licenses to ex-offenders in order to work in certain fields

NV SB159

Revises provisions relating to pest control. (BDR 49-608)

IL HB4899

ASSISTED LIVING-FACILITY PLAN

AZ SB1190

Department of revenue; administration