NC H517

Establishes immunity from civil liability for funeral directors, funeral service practitioners, and embalmers who refuse to accept or dispose of human remains until receiving a court order if aware of disposition disputes, questions about statutory authority, or other lawful reasons for refusal.

Protects funeral service professionals from liability when disposing of remains in accordance with court orders or applicable state laws and regulations.

Exempts preneed funeral contracts from the liability protections and preserves the Board's authority to suspend licenses, revoke permits, assess penalties, or seek injunctive relief.

Permits funeral establishments to embalm or cremate human remains from deaths caused by infectious, contagious, or communicable and dangerous diseases listed by the Commission for Public Health, regardless of final disposition method.

Effective upon enactment.