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SB 1149

Funeral Directors and Embalmers - As enacted, authorizes a funeral director applicant who was not previously licensed in this state to substitute one year of apprenticeship with an associate degree from a college accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education or completion of a program of study in funeral service education. - Amends TCA Title 62, Chapter 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Rusty Crowe

Tennessee allows funeral director applicants to substitute one apprenticeship year with an accredited funeral service associate degree, easing licensure for educated out-of-state applicants.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 198
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Bill Summary · SB 1149

Legislative bill overview

SB 1149 modifies Tennessee's funeral director licensure requirements by allowing out-of-state applicants to substitute one year of hands-on apprenticeship with either an associate degree in funeral service from an accredited program or completion of a formal funeral service education program. This reduces barriers to entry for educated applicants while maintaining professional standards through alternative qualification pathways.

Why is this important

Funeral service faces workforce shortages in many states, and Tennessee's change addresses labor supply by recognizing formal education as equivalent to apprenticeship experience. This could facilitate faster licensing for qualified candidates while potentially affecting local apprenticeship opportunities and the balance between academic versus practical training in the profession.

Potential points of contention

  • Apprenticeship displacement: Traditional funeral director apprenticeships may become less attractive if education-based pathways are considered equivalent, potentially reducing mentorship opportunities and hands-on training depth
  • Quality and consistency concerns: Educational programs vary in rigor and curriculum; some stakeholders may argue classroom learning cannot fully replicate apprenticeship's practical experience
  • Interstate reciprocity implications: The change may pressure other states to adopt similar standards, affecting licensing reciprocity frameworks and creating a patchwork of different professional requirements across regions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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