The bill establishes a new licensing category for assistant funeral directors in Oklahoma, creating specific application requirements and procedures for obtaining this license. It amends existing law regarding the Oklahoma Funeral Board, extending its sunset date from July 1, 2024, to July 1, 2029. The bill outlines that an assistant funeral director must be an employee of a licensed funeral director and can only assist one funeral director at a time. To qualify for the license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have completed 60 semester hours from an accredited institution, and pass the Oklahoma State Law Examination for Funeral Directors. The bill also sets the annual renewal fee for the assistant funeral director license at $150.

Additionally, the bill modifies the structure of the Oklahoma Funeral Board, which will continue to consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, with specific qualifications for board members. The bill includes provisions for the suspension or revocation of assistant funeral director licenses and mandates continuing education requirements. The effective date for the new law is set for July 1, 2025, and an emergency clause is included to ensure immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Floor (Senate): 59-396
Engrossed: 59-396
Amended And Engrossed: 59-396