Subcommittee approves requiring two in-person continuing-education hours for funeral directors

The Business and Commerce Subcommittee approved an amended Senate Bill 583 on Feb. 11, 2026, requiring licensed funeral directors to complete two of four continuing-education (CE) hours through physical, on-site attendance.

Chair (name not specified) introduced the bill as a change to the Funeral Services Act, saying the measure "removes a requirement of that 3 of the 4 required, continuing education hours be available through corresponding courses and instead requires the physical attendance... of a license for 2 of the 4 required hours." The chair said physical attendance means "being physically present in person, on-site at the designated physical location to receive the CEU credits" and that virtual, remote or correspondence formats would not count under the bill.

Industry groups testified in support. "Thank you, mister chairman, for your leadership in rewriting the Funeral Services Act 2 years ago," Jason Pulaski said, and he told the committee the South Carolina Funeral Directors and the South Carolina Morticians endorsed the bill and supported the amendment. Pulaski also referenced an amendment proposed by Miss Virginia Wetzel at LLR.

Committee member Mr. Chapman sought clarification on whether the new requirement would be retroactive. An LLR representative, as stated in the transcript, replied, "Not retroactive. The new renewal cycle starts July 1 and so we just want to align the effective date with that next renewal cycle." The chair confirmed the amendment’s language sets the act to take effect upon the governor's approval and to apply beginning July 1, 2026.

Following brief discussion, the committee voted on Amendment 1 and then on the amended bill by voice vote. The chair reported unanimous support, noting "A 100%" and the record showed no persons present to speak in opposition. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally of individual members' votes.

The committee adjourned after the vote.