District of ColumbiaB26-0047Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Funeral Directors Licensing Reform Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More protection for funeral customers

Funeral directing and embalming require District licenses, and establishments cannot allow unlicensed practice. Funeral directing apprentices need immediate supervision when handling remains, conducting funerals, or advising customers. Embalming apprentices need direct or immediate supervision for handling remains, embalming procedures, or related transport. Business-only employees are exempt from these supervision rules. The Mayor can fine, restrict, suspend, or revoke licenses for legal violations, including fraud, misrepresentation, or unlawful practice.

Funeral workers face new training rules

Funeral directing and embalming apprentices must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete 2,000 supervised hours within 2 years. For good cause, training may extend up to 4 years. Directing apprentices must assist with at least 25 funerals and 25 arrangement conferences; embalming apprentices must assist with at least 25 embalmings and learn required procedures and safety practices. Apprentices and supervisors report progress every 1,000 hours, within 30 days; later hours do not count until the prior report is approved. Employers and apprentices must report employment or supervisor changes within 30 days. Licensees and apprentices must report address changes within 5 days, and the Mayor may set apprenticeship application fees.

Funeral workers face new license paths

New funeral director applicants must complete an apprenticeship, qualify through an approved education path, and pass the exam’s Arts section. An education path is an accredited mortuary science or funeral service school, or an associate degree or equivalent with 60 credits, including 30 in a Board-approved program. New embalmer applicants must be at least 18, complete an apprenticeship, meet an approved education requirement, and pass the exam’s Sciences section. They must also know relevant District and federal laws, pay required fees, and meet any added requirements set by the Mayor. The Board may waive exam and apprenticeship rules for qualified out-of-state licensees who are at least 18, in good standing, pay fees, and know relevant laws. Existing District funeral directors licensed before the embalmer rule takes effect receive an embalmer license automatically.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 24 • No: 0

House vote • 9/22/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 7/14/2026

First Reading, CC