2017 Arizona Legislation: SB1295 and SB1296

What You Need to Know:

SB1295 – http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/53leg/1r/bills/sb1295p.htm

This bill would reduce the number of Funeral Directors that can serve on the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers from 4 to 3 and increase the public members to 4.

1/26/17 – Introduced by Sponsor Farnsworth

2/13/17 – Read to Commerce Committee – Failed to pass with a 5-2-1-0 Vote

SB1296 – https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/69094?SessionId=117 

Originally introduced removing educational requirement to receive Funeral Directors License. Amended version now removes the qualification of holding an embalming license in order to receive a Funeral Director’s license, ending dual licenses.

1/26/17 – Introduced by Sponsor Farnsworth

2/13/17 – Read to Commerce Committee – Passed through committee with a 5-2-1-0 Vote

2/23/17 – Amended by Sen. Farnsworth to keep educational and internship requirement

2/23/17 – Passed through Committee of Whole

2/28/17 – Third read through entire Senate, Passed with 16-14 vote

Next steps for this bill is to be read to House of Representatives in two weeks. If passed, it will still need to be signed by governor.

Continue writing your legislatives with your concerns. It is important to avoid deregulation and protect the Professionalism of our Industry.