NC H296

Repeals G.S. 58-58-97(d) and amends funeral service licensing laws to revise examination requirements, reinspection fees, and disciplinary procedures for funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral service licensees.

Adds requirements for independent funeral service licensees to obtain $1,000,000 professional liability insurance, limit practice to two funeral establishments, and maintain business records available for Board inspection.

Establishes new fee structure with January 1 late renewal dates (instead of February 1) and creates separate document reinspection fees of up to $25 for Funeral Industry Practices compliance issues.

Adds provisions allowing hydrolysis (water-based dissolution) of human remains as an alternative to cremation, with equivalent licensing and regulatory requirements as crematories.

Modifies preneed funeral contract rules, allows cancellation of low-value insurance preneed contracts under specified conditions, and clarifies procedures for handling unclaimed and abandoned bodies by funeral establishments and social services directors.