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D.C. hearing weighs split funeral licenses and authorizing water cremation; industry and labor advocates clash
Summary
The Committee discussed B26‑47 (separating embalmer and funeral director licenses, internships/apprenticeships, reciprocity) and B26‑547 (authorizing alkaline hydrolysis). Industry groups and the Board of Funeral Directors generally supported the changes; some advocates warned extra licensing could raise costs and reduce workforce access.
The D.C. Council Committee on Health on March 23 heard detailed testimony and agency input on two bills that would reshape funeral‑service regulation in the District: B26‑47 (Funeral Director's Licensing Reform Amendment Act of 2025) and B26‑547 (Green Death Care Option Amendment Act of 2025).
Supporters from the funeral profession argued the changes would expand workforce pathways and align D.C. with neighboring jurisdictions. Blair Nelson of Gollars Funeral Home and Rachel Mackey, a licensed funeral director with regional credentials, said separate embalmer and funeral director licenses can broaden access and accommodate specialists. "Creating separate licenses increases the opportunity for employment in the district by making the funeral profession more accessible to a wider range of prospective candidates," Nelson said.
Practitioner testimony and DLCP (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) and Board of Funeral Directors…
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