A. Every licensed crematory retort operator who continues to practice in this state shall renew his license on or before May fifteenth of each calendar year by submitting the appropriate renewal application as required by the board along with the appropriate renewal fee set forth by rule in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 37:875.

            B. Every licensed crematory authority which continues to operate in this state shall renew its license on or before May fifteenth of each calendar year upon submission of the following to the board:

            (1) A renewal application on a form prescribed by the board.

            (2) An annual report, which indicates any changes which have occurred since the initial application or prior renewal application or that no changes have occurred.

            (3) The appropriate renewal fee as set forth by rule in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 37:875.

            C. Any crematory retort operator or any crematory authority whose renewal application, renewal fee, and, if applicable, annual report is not received by the board by May fifteenth of each year shall be deemed delinquent. A notice of delinquency shall be sent via certified mail to the crematory retort operator or crematory authority by the board. The notice shall state that the deadline for renewal has lapsed and that if the crematory retort operator or crematory authority intends to renew, the renewal fee, the renewal application, and, if applicable, annual report shall be submitted to the board within five business days of receipt of the notice. No penalties, reinstatement fees, or late fees shall be assessed and no reinspection shall be required if the crematory retort operator or crematory authority submits the renewal fee, the renewal application, and, if applicable, the annual report within five business days of receipt of the notice. If the board does not receive the renewal fee, the renewal application, and, if applicable, annual report within the five business days provided for by this Subsection, such crematory retort operator or crematory authority shall be subject to any penalty, reinstatement fees, or late fees authorized by law.

            D. A renewal fee, application, or annual report sent through the mail shall be deemed timely received if mailed on or before the due date. If received by the board after the due date, the timeliness of the mailing shall be shown by an official United States postmark or by official receipt or certificate from the United States Postal Service or a commercial mail service, made at the time of mailing that indicates the date thereof.

            Acts 2003, No. 1243, §2; Acts 2017, No. 251, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.