Bill > H991

This bill establishes the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) within the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management to support local mortuary services during disasters. The team will consist of professionals including funeral directors, medical examiners, dentists, embalmers, forensic specialists, and other trained personnel who will respond to mass fatality incidents. DMORT's primary objectives include identifying victims, reuniting them with families, recovering and examining remains, and transporting deceased individuals. The team will specialize in operations such as tracking human remains, establishing temporary morgue facilities, collecting ante-mortem and postmortem data, and providing technical assistance in fatality management. The bill outlines that DMORT members will have liability protection while on authorized missions and that the Division of Emergency Management will coordinate training and provide necessary funding within available appropriations. The team will work closely with various state agencies, including the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, and will be integrated into the state's Emergency Operations Plan. The provisions of this bill will become effective on October 1, 2025, with the Department of Public Safety and the Board of Funeral Service authorized to adopt rules for implementation.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H991