BILL NUMBER: S8152
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to authorizing funer-
al directing apprenticeships as an alternative to licensing examinations
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To broaden the number of funeral directors by establishing a new state
apprenticeship program
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends section 3422-a of the public health law to direct the
department to develop a four year funeral director apprenticeship
program with a one year residency requirement; and upon completion of
the program, would provide a certificate of completion to serve as a
licensed funeral director, undertaker, and embalmer, via this program.
Section 2 amends suvbdivisions 1,2, and 4 of the public health law to
provide the option of such an apprenticeship, in addition to current
licensing requirements, and cost for certificate of completion.
Section 3 amends section 3423 of PHL to enable undertaker and embalmer
licenses as part of the program.
Section 4 is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The current licensing system, has shown less interest than what is
required to maintain adequate staffing levels for funeral directors
across the state and has limited the pool of new entrants into the
profession.
An apprenticeship model would provide a complementary, practical, acces-
sible path to becoming a funeral director, helping to quickly bring in
and train. new professionals. By allowing individuals to earn while they
learn under the guidance of experienced directors, the state can develop
a steady and sustainable pipeline of skilled workers. This hands-on
approach can fill vacancies more efficiently than traditional educa-
tional routes, which take longer and often result in fewer graduates,
with less immediate hands-on experience to fulfill needs for the job.
In the face of an aging population and increasing demand for end-of-life
services, New York cannot afford to maintain a system that restricts
workforce growth. Transitioning to an apprenticeship-based program would
not Only ease the burden on existing funeral directors but also ensure
that communities across the state continue to receive dignified, timely
funeral care.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and
completed on or before such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S8152: 3423 public health law