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S 1635

Relates to the formula for the real property tax cap

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello

NJ S-1635 splits the mortuary license into two: a full Mortuary and Embalming Science license and a funeral directing-only Mortuary Science license to expand choice and ease entry.

REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Bill Summary · S 1635

Summary — S-1635 (Senate Committee Substitute)

Note: The file materials contain text from multiple jurisdictions and drafts (including unrelated Massachusetts language). This summary focuses on the New Jersey Senate Committee Substitute text and accompanying fiscal analyses that are central to S-1635.

Purpose

S-1635 revises New Jersey’s Mortuary Science Act to split the existing single mortuary license into two distinct licensure pathways: (1) Practitioner of Mortuary and Embalming Science (current full-scope license) and (2) Practitioner of Mortuary Science (funeral directing only). The change is intended to expand consumer choice, accommodate religious/cultural/environmental preferences for non‑embalmed disposition, and reduce barriers to entry into the profession to address staffing shortages.

Key provisions

  • Establishes two licenses overseen by the State Board of Mortuary Science (Division of Consumer Affairs):
    • Practitioner of Mortuary and Embalming Science — proficiency in both funeral directing and embalming (maintains current full-scope requirements).
    • Practitioner of Mortuary Science — limited to funeral directing (no embalming requirement).
  • Revises statutory definitions (funeral directing, mortuary, mortuary and embalming science, practitioner types).
  • Lowers minimum licensure age to 18 and removes New Jersey residency as a licensure prerequisite.
  • Updates trainee terminology from “trainee” to “intern” and “school of mortuary science” to “program of funeral service education.”
  • Permits an applicant for the mortuary & embalming license to demonstrate embalming proficiency on a cadaver “wherever possible” (committee amendment).
  • Modifies education, continuing education, and examination requirements to reflect two pathways; grants the Board discretion to set examination and re‑examination fees (removal of fixed dollar amounts).
  • Removes a prior requirement for an identification card; makes other technical and effective‑date updates.

Who is affected

  • Funeral service professionals (existing licensees and prospective applicants).
  • Funeral homes and mortuaries (workforce supply and service offerings).
  • Interns and educational programs for funeral service.
  • State Board of Mortuary Science and Division of Consumer Affairs (licensure administration, enforcement).
  • Consumers seeking funeral services, especially those preferring non‑embalmed disposition.

Fiscal and operational impact

  • Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimates annual increases in State expenditures and revenues — amounts indeterminate. Rationale:
    • Potential increase in the number of licensees (new funeral‑directing‑only pathway) leading to more applications, renewals, and enforcement activity.
    • Board discretion to set exam/re‑exam fees may raise fee revenue.
  • Background figures: roughly 2,300+ mortuary licenses in force (FY2022–FY2024 data variations). Current board fees cited in documents: $50 application; $350 initial license and biennial renewal.

Procedural status

  • Committee substitute reported by Senate Commerce (10/10/2024) and Senate Budget & Appropriations (3/17/2025) with committee amendments.
  • Fiscal notes issued (corrected Nov. 1, 2024; updated Mar. 25, 2025).
  • Latest status in provided bill header: REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (listed 01/13/2025). Companion bills and related measures are noted (e.g., A-3940).

Notes / caveats

  • The document package includes unrelated text and docket entries (e.g., language from a Massachusetts bill on pharmacist opioid treatment). Those materials are not part of the New Jersey mortuary licensing reform summarized above.

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

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