Committee hears from funeral industry and confirms public‑member nominee on Funeral Services board

Hannah Slusser introduced nominees to the Board of Funeral Services and industry representatives (including the Montana Funeral Directors Association) supported the appointments. Commissioner Sarah Swanson told the committee the board licenses roughly 466 funeral‑service professionals and processed nine complaints last year; she highlighted an interim in‑depth study of the funeral industry (House Joint Resolution 27) and the public‑member role in representing consumer interests.

Layla (Liella) Kelly described her work as an end‑of‑life doula, told senators she contracts with families to provide emotional and logistical support near death, and said she does not handle funeral arrangements but does provide pricing and provider information for families. Committee members asked how doulas differ from hospice and whether doulas are paid; Kelly said she contracts and is paid for services.

Multiple morticians and association representatives testified in favor of the nominees and urged confirmation based on experience and consumer protection perspectives. The committee closed the hearing and expressed appreciation for volunteers who serve on licensing boards.