This bill amends the licensing requirements for funeral directors and embalmers in West Virginia by modifying the education and apprenticeship criteria. For embalmers, the bill removes the previous educational requirements of an associate or bachelor’s degree and instead mandates that applicants must graduate from a mortuary science school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education, which requires at least 12 months of study. Additionally, the apprenticeship requirement is updated to allow for completion under a licensed embalmer or through a mortuary school, rather than strictly under a licensed embalmer and funeral director.

For funeral directors, the bill changes the educational requirement from a bachelor's degree to a program of study in Funeral Services Education consisting of at least 30 hours from an accredited school. It also introduces flexibility in the apprenticeship requirement, allowing for either a two-year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director or a one-year apprenticeship with a mortuary school. The bill aims to streamline the licensing process while ensuring that applicants still meet essential educational and practical experience standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-6-8, 30-6-9