West Virginia2026Enacted

HB4483

West Virginia Funeral Service License Rules Update

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 11:08 AM

In one sentence

This law updates how West Virginia licenses funeral directors by setting new education requirements for apprentices and creating a special license type for older workers.

Requires the Board of Funeral Service Examiners to create rules about embalming, cremation, and running funeral homes without forcing owners to hold specific professional licenses themselves.
Sets requirements for new funeral directors to finish a bachelor's degree and complete one year of supervised work experience with at least 35 cases handled.
Creates an emeritus license option for workers aged 65 or older who have worked in the field for at least 10 years, exempting them from continuing education classes.
Allows apprentices to register after turning 18 and having a high school diploma while they finish their college credits before, during, or after training.
Establishes rules for renewing licenses every two years on a staggered schedule and requires active workers to take continuing education courses.

The specific dollar amounts for fees and fines are not listed in this text because the board sets them through rules.
The exact length of time required to complete an apprenticeship is cut off at the end of the provided text.

Plain language

Emeritus license: A special license for workers over age 65 with at least 10 years of experience that does not require continuing education.
Apprenticeship: The supervised training period where a student learns funeral service skills while working under a licensed professional.
Staggered renewal schedule: A system where license renewals happen at different times for different people instead of all on the same day.

Official record

Validated

Relating to funeral service licensure and administration

Official activity