Today, we met with Senate Majority Staff to discuss HB2123, the implications of the bill, and most importantly, the bill’s intent. As you know, HB2123 continues the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, but only until March 31, 2023. The bill also redefines “licensed” persons as “registered” persons.
Initially we were under the impression that bill was introduced with the sole intention of deregulating the industry, similar to what has happened with several regulatory authorities over the past few years. We also have heard that lawmakers were potentially looking at Colorado as a model for future regulation.
However, in our meeting today, we learned that the intent of HB2123 is to (1) continue the state board (which is necessary), and (2) to begin the discussion about the Board and its regulatory structure. Given the Auditor General’s assessment of the Board, the legislature feels compelled to act in some capacity. How, and to what extent, it will act will be determined by future stakeholder meetings (likely in the summer).
Important takeaways from today’s meeting:
- Lawmakers/staff are no longer looking at Colorado as a model.
- The legislature will be convening stakeholder meetings over the summer and AFCCA will be invited to those discussions.
- The legislature is not seeking to deregulate. Instead, it is looking at new ideas or best practices to regulate in light of the Auditor General’s report.
Next Steps:
- We are in the process of setting up meetings with key legislators who are working on this issue.