Establish Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team.

HB 991 establishes North Carolina's Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT) within the Division of Emergency Management. The team, composed of licensed funeral directors, medical examiners, forensic specialists, and other trained professionals, will respond to disasters by identifying victims, managing remains, coordinating with families, and supporting local mortuaries during mass fatality incidents. It requires the Division to develop a response plan integrated into the state’s Emergency Operations Plan, fund training and equipment, and coordinate with agencies like the Board of Funeral Service. The bill takes effect October 1, 2025, creating a standardized state-level system for handling mortuary needs after disasters.