Professions and occupations; Oklahoma Funeral Board; sunset; effective date; emergency.
Summary
HB2172 extends the sunset date for the Oklahoma Funeral Board from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2029. The bill continues the Board’s existence under the Oklahoma Sunset Law and preserves the current structure of the agency that regulates funeral directors and embalmers in the state.
The measure also carries forward the Board’s membership requirements and appointment process. The Board remains a seven-member body appointed by the Governor, with five members required to be licensed, actively practicing embalmers/funeral directors with at least seven consecutive years of experience, and two members drawn from the general public, one of whom should, if possible, be from the health care field. The bill keeps existing limits on consecutive terms and vacancy appointments, and it maintains the reference that prior statutory mentions of the Oklahoma State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors mean the Oklahoma Funeral Board.
Impact
If enacted, HB2172 would amend 59 O.S. Section 396 to extend the life of the Oklahoma Funeral Board for five additional years, preventing the Board from expiring in 2024 and instead continuing it through 2029. This would preserve the Board’s authority over licensing and regulation of funeral services professionals, including embalmers and funeral directors, and would keep in place the statutory framework governing Board composition, appointments, and qualifications.
Sentiment
The available record shows little overt controversy or debate around the bill. Its status and text suggest it is a routine sunset-extension measure, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition or strong disagreement. The inclusion of an emergency clause and immediate effective-date language suggests the bill was treated as time-sensitive and administrative in nature.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the available materials. Potentially relevant issues, based on the bill text, could include whether the Board should continue without structural changes, the balance between industry representation and public members on the Board, and the requirement that one public member, if possible, come from the health care field. However, no recorded testimony or vote history in the provided context identifies any organized support or opposition on those points.