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Committee approves morticians’ rule rewrite and biannual fee increase to restore board reserves
Summary
The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee approved pending rules for the Idaho State Board of Morticians (docket 24‑0801‑2401). The package deletes duplicative rules, updates trainee and inspection requirements and shifts licensing to a biannual fee structure with roughly a 20% increase to restore a negative cash balance.
The Senate Commerce and Human Resources Committee approved IDAPA docket 24‑0801‑2401, the rules of the Idaho State Board of Morticians, by roll‑call vote. Committee members voted to adopt the pending rule package after hearing staff explain regulatory cleanups and a proposed fee increase intended to restore the board’s cash reserves.
John Price, bureau chief for the Occupational Licensing Bureau, presented the docket and described multiple changes: removal of language duplicative of statute, clarification that resident trainees must complete 12 months of supervised experience within a three‑year period rather than 50 weeks in a single year, redefinition of “immediately available” supervision to allow in‑person or remote consultation, and shifting initial inspections to occur before licensure. The rules also delete provisions made obsolete by statute or federal regulation.
Price told the committee the board has proposed raising fees by approximately 20% while moving to a biannual fee cycle to meet statutory intent that boards maintain a cash balance above 30% of the five‑year rolling average of expenditures. He gave an example: “an annual funeral director's license currently is $85 annually. Under a biannual structure that would be increased to $170 every other year, and with a 20% increase they're proposing a funeral director license of $200,” Price said.
Senator Guthrie asked whether the biannual option removes a one‑year renewal choice; Price said statutory language requires moving boards to a biannual licensure cycle. Guthrie and others pressed on the board’s finances; Price said the morticians’ board had a negative balance of just over $59,000 as of Sept. 30 of the prior year, and that other boards in the division temporarily cover shortfalls until revenue returns.
Senator Ward Engle King moved to adopt docket 24‑0801‑2401; Senator Leahy seconded. The committee took a roll call; the chair announced the motion carried, 8 ayes and 1 nay. The committee record shows the package includes a proposed fee‑raise and conversion to a biennial fee schedule to rebuild reserves, and the rules will take effect as provided by the administrative rules process.
The adopted changes are part of the division’s red‑tape reduction review and reflect input from licensees and associations. Committee members said they expect to revisit fees if the board reaches the statutorily required balance.
