This bill amends existing provisions related to students and trainees in the funeral service profession in South Dakota. It updates Section 36-19-12.1 to include the establishment of qualifications, supervision requirements, duration, and other criteria for trainees and traineeships. Additionally, it amends Section 36-19-14 to allow trainees to embalm bodies and practice embalming under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. A new section is introduced to clarify that full-time students enrolled in accredited funeral service programs can engage in supervised activities as part of their coursework, provided they do not misrepresent themselves as licensed funeral directors.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 36-19-21 to outline the requirements for obtaining a funeral service license, including age, application submission, fee payment, educational qualifications, completion of a supervised traineeship, passing a national board examination, and maintaining a clean professional record. These changes aim to enhance the training and regulation of individuals entering the funeral service profession, ensuring that they meet established standards while also providing clarity on the roles of students and trainees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/17/2025: 36-19-12.1, 36-19-14, 36-19-21
Enrolled, 03/04/2025: 36-19-12.1, 36-19-14, 36-19-21