The bill amends existing provisions related to students and trainees in the funeral service profession in South Dakota. It introduces new requirements for the board to establish qualifications, supervision, and other criteria for trainees and traineeships. Additionally, it allows trainees to embalm bodies and practice embalming under the supervision of a licensed funeral director, which was previously restricted to licensed individuals only. The bill also clarifies that students enrolled in accredited funeral service programs can engage in supervised activities as part of their coursework, while prohibiting them from presenting themselves as licensed funeral directors.

Furthermore, the bill revises the licensing requirements for individuals seeking to practice funeral service. It maintains the age, application, and educational prerequisites while updating the experience requirement to specify that it must be completed under a supervised traineeship. The amendments aim to enhance the training and oversight of students and trainees in the funeral service field, ensuring they receive proper guidance while also expanding their practical experience.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/17/2025: 36-19-12.1, 36-19-14, 36-19-21