Today, March 27, several stakeholders met to discuss SB1210. In this meeting was bill sponsor, Senator Steve Kaiser, as well as Senator Anna Hernandez and Representative Cesar Aguilar, members from the State Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers, Representation from Arizona Department of Health & Human Services, plus many members of the Funeral Profession and finally, several policy writers, researchers and representation from the joint legislative budget committee.
We felt it was a very productive meeting and also feel that we are on a path towards a bill that will protect consumers as well as uphold educational and ethical standards in the profession.
The most immediate question was “What Happens on April 1st”. It was clarified that yes, Title 41-3023.17 does sunset the board on March 31, 2023. However per 41-2956 (Subsection A), state agencies shall conclude their affairs within six months of the termination. There will be further clarification coming after reviewing a few details with legal counsel, but the board will continue performing all duties until the transition to the new state agency is complete.
Beyond this piece of clarification, there was discussion around a floor amendment with language clean up for:
- Education Requirements
- Embalming Assistants
- Alkaline Hydrolysis
- Licensure requirements
We do not have these language amendments to share as of yet. We will continue to keep you updated as quickly as we have information.