NC H227

Creates criminal penalties for disturbing, vandalizing, or desecrating human remains, including physical alteration or sexual penetration acts, as a Class I felony.

Establishes a Class H felony for knowingly and willfully dismembering or destroying human remains to conceal evidence of death, escalated to a Class D felony if the person knew or should have known the remains were from a non-natural death.

Exempts from criminal liability acts by first responders, medical professionals, licensed funeral directors or embalmers, body part extraction for medical purposes, professional archaeologists, and other lawful purposes.

Defines "human remains" as any dead human body in any state of decay or any significant part thereof, including limbs, organs, or bones.

Effective December 1, 2011, for offenses committed on or after that date.