In an earlier post we reported how the acting director for the Division of Professional Registration advised the Governor that State Board changes were needed to be made “to increase efficiency and fiscal responsibility.”  Improvements were needed, “especially with inspections and financial examinations”, and that there could be potential cost savings of $200,000.  In a weekly report to the Governor, the Division advised:

The Division is working with Kyle Aubuchon and Caroline Colter on filling vacancies and replacing board members on expired terms for the Embalmers board and several others. The Division appreciates that people have been willing to serve on expired terms but the Division is excited to have new members who bring new ideas and expertise to protect the people of Missouri.

The question we have is whether the Division’s acting director consulted with the Senate Committee on Professional Registration Oversight before implementing such changes.

With a 2021 projected budget of $513,795.00, the preneed consumer audit fees account for $397,500.00.  With Senate Bill No.1, the Missouri Legislature authorized the consumer fee to provide the Board the funds to audit the funeral homes for compliance with the new law.  It was not the Legislature’s intent that the Division cut the Board expenditures to the bone so that consumer audit funding would pour over to the State’s General Revenue Fund.