Funeral director and embalmer apprentices

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steven Long

SC bill updates apprenticeship rules for funeral directors/embalmers, requiring supervised cross-location training and specific field-experience milestones for licensure eligibilit

Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry

Summary of Bill H 5665 (2025-2026) – South Carolina

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the South Carolina Code to update definitions and apprenticeship requirements for funeral directors and embalmers.

It recognizes evolving practice patterns where licensed embalmers and funeral directors service multiple funeral establishments and seeks to ensure apprentices can gain full practical experience under supervision across locations.

Key provisions and changes

Definition of “Apprentice” (Section 40-19-20(3))

Updates the definition to reflect that an apprentice is someone preparing to become licensed in embalming and/or funeral directing under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in the state, and who is registered with the state board.

Apprenticeship requirements and oversight (Section 40-19-240)

Applicants for apprenticeship must be at least 18, take the oath, and pay a board-set fee to obtain a certificate of apprenticeship.
If the apprentice wishes to train with a specific licensee, a request to the board is required. If the apprentice leaves that licensee, the licensee must provide an affidavit of time served, which is filed with the board.
Renewal and duration:
- Certificates are renewable every 12 months (for up to 24 months), with renewal fees set by regulation.
- A certificate may not be renewed more than three times.
- Military service can place the apprentice’s registration in abeyance, with waivers from renewal fees and penalties during service.
Quarterly reporting:
- Apprentices must submit quarterly progress reports on work completed, certified by the sponsoring licensee.
Licensure eligibility:
- Before licensure, the board requires evidence of completed educational requirements and affidavits from sponsoring licensees confirming specific practical experiences:
- Embalming track: assist in embalming at least 50 bodies.
- Funeral director track: assist in conducting at least 50 funerals.
- The board determines licensure eligibility based on these reports.
Apprenticeship limits and supervision:
- Only two apprentices may be registered under a single licensee at a time.
- Each sponsor must be actively connected with a licensed funeral establishment.
- An apprentice may perform duties in one or more licensed establishments under supervision of the sponsoring licensee.

Who is affected

Aspiring funeral directors and embalmers seeking licensure through formal apprenticeships.

Licensed funeral directors and embalmers who sponsor and supervise apprentices across multiple establishments.

Funeral establishments that employ or supervise apprentices, particularly those serving multiple locations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date: Upon the Governor’s approval.

Registration, renewal, and reporting are ongoing processes with specific timeframes:

Certificates valid for 12 months, renewable up to three times (maximum 24 months of apprenticeship renewal).
Quarterly progress reports required.
Affidavits and field experience documentation required for licensure eligibility.

The act imposes a cap of two apprentices per sponsor and requires active establishment sponsorship.

Additional notes

The bill was introduced and referred to the Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, with Steven Long as a co-sponsor.

This reform aims to align apprenticeship rules with modern practice patterns and ensure apprentices gain comprehensive, supervised experience across multiple establishments when applicable.