The State Board of Funeral Service held its third quarterly meeting on Aug. 5, 2025, in Helena. Of larger note were discussions related to HB 246 and HJ 27.
HB 246 references “Substantial Equivalency” or “Substantially Equivalent” licenses for individuals wishing to become licensed in the state. The most substantial change now allows the board to review individual qualifications and work experience. It also addresses any identified gaps so that applicants aren’t excluded just because requirements were met in a different format or sequence. The board’s executive officer, Susie Osborne, prepared a comprehensive table that compared education, examination and experience requirements covering all 50 states. This table is available to anyone who requests it from Susie Osborne. After board discussion, a motion was passed to approve the 2025 substantial equivalency by state list for use by the Montana board.
Joint Resolution HJ 27 requests an interim study relative to morticians and funeral services in the state. It will encompass but not be limited to an examination of ways to improve clarity and consistency of existing statutes, as well as providing a model for alternative forms of disposition, such as alkaline hydrolysis and natural organic reduction. The results of the study will be reported to the 70th Legislature. Our executive director has reached out to Rep. Denise Baum, and we have been assured that the board will be an integral part of these discussions as the resolution moves forward. The board certainly encourages and is most desirous of state licensees’ comments concerning HJ 27. Please direct your comments to Susie Osborne at susan.osborne@mt.gov.
A review of the board’s financial status was provided by the fiscal department. The effects of the abatement of licensing fees on the board’s finances seem to be fairly minimal at this point in time. While the board cannot know the financial landscape for the coming year, it is hoped that the abatement policy will be able to be continued into the next licensing period. The fiscal department will have more solid financial projections for the board at our second meeting in 2026 and the licensees will be apprised of their advice and recommendations going forward.
The board continues to wait for the appointment of a new public member. We are hopeful that this might occur before our November meeting. We are uncertain as to the cause for the delay but are not capable of accelerating this process since it is at the behest of the governor’s office.
The full board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 10:30 a.m. in the fourth-floor conference room at 301 S. Park Ave. in Helena.
As always it is an honor to be able to serve on the board. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (406) 490-4264 at anytime with concerns, questions or suggestions. I very much enjoy and look forward to your comments and input.
