A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 40-19-20, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS CONCERNING EMBALMERS AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS, SO AS TO REVISE THE DEFINITION OF "APPRENTICE"; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 40-19-240, RELATING TO REQUIREMENTS FOR APPRENTICES AND APPRENTICESHIPS, SO AS TO REMOVE PROVISIONS THAT RESTRICT THE ABILITY OF APPRENTICES TO TRAIN IN MULTIPLE ESTABLISHMENTS SERVED BY THE LICENSEE IN WHOSE SERVICE THE APPRENTICE IS ENGAGED.
Summary
H5665 revises South Carolina’s laws governing embalmer and funeral director apprenticeships. It updates the statutory definition of “apprentice” and amends the apprenticeship requirements so that an apprentice may train under a licensed embalmer or funeral director across one or more licensed funeral establishments, rather than being limited by the prior restriction tied to a single establishment. The bill is framed as a response to changes in the funeral service industry, where licensed professionals may serve multiple locations and apprentices need broader practical exposure to complete their training.
The bill preserves the core apprenticeship framework, including application to the board, age and fee requirements, quarterly reporting, supervision by a licensed sponsor, and the existing licensure prerequisites that apprentices complete required education and assist with at least 50 embalming cases or 50 funerals. It also keeps the rule limiting each sponsor to two apprentices and retains the military-service abeyance provision. The main substantive change is the addition of language expressly allowing an apprentice to perform duties in multiple licensed funeral establishments under the supervising licensee.
Impact
H5665 would amend Sections 40-19-20 and 40-19-240 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Its practical effect is to broaden where an embalmer or funeral director apprentice may train, making the apprenticeship system more flexible for multi-location funeral businesses and their supervising licensees. The bill does not change licensure standards or the number of required cases, but it removes a structural barrier that could limit apprenticeship experience and continuity when a supervising licensee works at more than one establishment.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally supportive and noncontroversial in tone. The stated purpose is to modernize apprenticeship rules to match current industry practice and to ensure apprentices receive sufficient hands-on training. No committee transcripts, votes, or recorded opposition were provided, so there is no evidence of formal debate or division in the available materials.
Contention
The only notable policy tension reflected in the bill text is between maintaining regulatory control over apprenticeships and allowing greater mobility across funeral establishments. Supporters of the change would likely emphasize training access, workforce development, and alignment with modern business practices, while any concern would likely focus on preserving supervision, accountability, and the integrity of apprenticeship oversight. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are documented in the provided record.
Authorizes funeral directing apprenticeships as an alternative to licensing examinations; requires such apprenticeships to be four-year programs led by licensing funeral directors; makes related provisions.