WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

In-state training for future embalmers gets a boost in Kirby’s successful measure

Legislation levels the playing field for an important program in Washington

OLYMPIA – Washingtonians with a calling for embalming have but one in-state choice in undertaking the appropriate training: the excellent, nationally accredited program at Lake Washington Technical College. Unfortunately for Lake Washington’s program, as well as for its students and its would-be students, existing state law doesn’t allow the school needed access to human remains.

But state Rep. Steve Kirby has stepped in this year with legislation to solve that problem. Kirby’s House Bill 1691, which has unanimously cleared both legislative chambers, is on its way to the governor’s desk.

“Most mortuary programs in other states have access to human remains and are able to provide this extraordinary educational opportunity to students, who need to perform 10 embalmings to earn accreditation,” Kirby said.

“This legislation will allow Washington’s students of embalming the appropriate educational access to human remains they need to earn the professional training they require.”

Counties are required to take care of the disposition of the remains of any indigent person whose body is unclaimed by relatives or a religious organization, according to Washington law. King County’s indigent-burial program is facing financial difficulties, and Kirby’s legislation also provides welcome help for the proper disposition of indigent remains in King County. The Lake Washington school’s program would save tax dollars because the fees paid by its students of embalming would cover cremation charges.

Kirby chairs the House Business & Financial Services Committee in which the legislation was first considered earlier this year.

Here is a link to a video clip of Kirby discussing final passage of his HB 1691 recently in the chambers of the Washington State House of Representatives:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTM6ReMvZps.