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Panel backs change to funeral director licensing to allow concurrent schooling and apprenticeship
Summary
The subcommittee approved House Bill 860 to let funeral director applicants complete required college coursework and apprenticeship concurrently; supporters said the change modernizes the pathway and eases workforce barriers. The bill moves to full Commerce.
The Business & Utilities Subcommittee voted to send House Bill 860, sponsored by Representative Alexander, to the full Commerce Committee after adopting amendment 3872 that permits funeral director apprenticeship and coursework to be completed concurrently.
Representative Alexander said Tennessee currently requires applicants to complete a two-year program of school and apprenticeship. Under the amended bill, applicants could "concurrently complete their apprenticeship alongside their educational requirements," which the sponsor said would preserve standards while reducing financial barriers and accelerating entry into the profession.
The sponsor outlined the educational requirements discussed in committee: at least 30 semester hours (or 45 quarter hours) from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service. Committee members asked whether Tennessee has in-state programs; Representative Alexander noted programs exist in the state, citing Compton College in Nashville as one example.
A question from Chairman Lafferty raised whether concurrent training would reduce minimum work hours; the sponsor replied that apprenticeships and hour requirements remain and that applicants must still complete the same two-year apprenticeship period, with the difference that college coursework may overlap one of the apprenticeship years.
The clerk recorded eight ayes and the chair announced that House Bill 860 will move to full Commerce.
