SB 4017

Abstract

Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act. Provides that the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code is repealed on January 1, 2028 (instead of January 1, 2023). Amends the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing Code. Defines "email address of record". Removes a provision providing that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall maintain rosters of the licensees and those whose licenses were suspended, revoked, denied renewal, or otherwise disciplined. Provides that licensees shall provide a valid email address to the Department and inform the Department of any change of the email address. Removes a provision that provides that licensees who have not engaged in the practice of funeral directing for at least 40 years by January 1, 2016 shall not receive the continuing education exemption after that date. Provides that the Department shall determine an inactive licensee's fitness to resume active status and may require successful completion of a practical examination or any other method the Department deems appropriate. Provides that the licensee is authorized to effect a final disposition of unclaimed cremated remains if no person lawfully entitled to the custody of the remains makes or has made a proper request for them within 60 days (instead of 1 year) of the date of death of the cremated person. Allows licenses to be applied for electronically. Allows the written notice of proceedings to be served by email. Provides that the Department shall provide a certified shorthand reporter to take down the testimony and preserve a record of all proceedings at specified hearings. Includes additional factors that the Funeral Directors and Embalmers Licensing and Disciplinary Board may take into consideration in making recommendations for any disciplinary action. Provides that any person who practices, offers to practice, attempts to practice, or holds one's self out as a funeral director, embalmer, or embalmer intern without being licensed shall pay a civil penalty to the Department in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for each offense. Repeals provisions concerning Social Security Numbers on license applications; consent orders; and conflicts of interest. Makes other changes. Some provisions are effective immediately.