Rep. Miller files bill in North Carolina House to update funeral service laws

A new bill filed by State Rep. Charles W. Miller in the North Carolina House seeks to update regulations governing funeral services, cremation, and the handling of human remains, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 1003 on April 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Board of Funeral Service Modifications.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill modifies North Carolina’s laws on funeral services, cremation, and the handling of human remains, effective Oct. 1, 2025. It introduces and defines the process of alkaline hydrolysis alongside traditional cremation. The bill addresses changes to the definitions, procedures, and regulations associated with funeral services, including the licensing of crematories and managers, and the recording and handling of cremated remains. It mandates crematories to follow public health and environmental laws, sets standards for cremation containers, and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. Additionally, the bill differentiates between preneed funeral contracts and transportation protection agreements while adjusting regulations on life insurance as it relates to funeral arrangements. An emphasis is placed on updating the record-keeping and licensing requirements for crematories. The bill also allows the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service to adopt temporary rules to facilitate these changes.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Miller proposed the most bills (39) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Miller graduated from Cape Fear Community College.

Miller, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 19th House district, replacing previous state representative Ted Davis Jr..