SF 563: Relating to the licensure of crematory operators and funeral establishments, and making penalties applicable

What it does

This bill relates to the licensure of crematory operators and funeral establishments. The bill requires the board of mortuary science (board) to adopt rules for the licensure of crematory operators, which shall require an applicant to complete a specialized course in cremation from a nationally recognized organization. The bill also requires the board to grant a crematory operator license to a funeral director who submits an application to the board. The bill allows a person licensed as a crematory operator or funeral director to operate a cremation establishment but requires a person who operates a funeral establishment to be licensed as a funeral director.

House subcommittee · named March 10, 2026

• Rep. Thomas M. Jeneary (R) · tom.jeneary@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Amy Nielsen (D) · amy.nielsen@legis.iowa.gov
• Rep. Jennifer J. Smith (R) · jennifer.smith@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 1 for, 0 against

For: Iowa Funeral Directors Association

In plain words

1. March 6, 2025Filed in the Senate
2. March 6, 2025Approved by the Senate committee
3. June 16, 2025Sent to the Senate State Government committee
4. January 22, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Guth, Bisignano and Westrich
5. January 26, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
6. January 28, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
7. March 4, 2026Passed the Senate, 45–0
8. March 9, 2026Arrived in the House
9. March 10, 2026House subcommittee named: Jeneary, Nielsen and Smith
10. March 12, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
11. March 18, 2026Approved by the House committee
12. March 18, 2026Committee vote: 21–0
13. March 24, 2026Passed the House, 89–7
14. May 5, 2026Sent to the Governor
15. June 2, 2026Signed into law