A new bill filed by State Sen. Lazzara seeks to create criminal penalties for unlawful sale and possession of embalming fluid in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 245 on March 5 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill, titled “The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act,” seeks to establish criminal offenses related to embalming fluid in North Carolina. It outlines the unlawful sale and possession of embalming fluid, specifically prohibiting funeral directors, embalmers, and resident trainees from knowingly selling or distributing embalming fluid outside their professional activities. The unlawful possession of embalming fluid, unless for lawful preservation of human bodies or licensed taxidermy, is also prohibited. Penalties for violations vary based on the quantity involved, ranging from a Class I felony for less than 28 grams to a Class D felony for 400 grams or more. The act becomes effective Dec. 1, 2025, applying to offenses committed from that date onward.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Lazzara proposed the most bills (14) 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.
Lazzara, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 6th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Harry Brown.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bob Brinson, and Buck Newton | SB 245 | 03/05/2025 | The Rakim Shackleford Embalming Fluid Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Lisa S. Barnes, and Todd Johnson | SB 226 | 03/03/2025 | Align Benefits for Firefighters with Cancer. |
| Michael A. Lazzara and Brent Jackson | SB 183 | 02/26/2025 | Funds for VSO in Jones County. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 188 | 02/26/2025 | Financial Support to NC4ME. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 172 | 02/25/2025 | STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Todd Johnson | SB 128 | 02/21/2025 | Heroes Homestead Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Vickie Sawyer, and Warren Daniel | SB 118 | 02/18/2025 | Reduce Veteran CCW Fee/Expand CCW Notice. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 106 | 02/17/2025 | Funds/Onslow Water and Sewer Authority. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Benton G. Sawrey, and Michael V. Lee | SB 109 | 02/17/2025 | Veterans Appreciation Act. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 113 | 02/17/2025 | Removal of Squatters from Private Property. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Eddie D. Settle, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 71 | 02/11/2025 | Expedited Removal of Unauthorized Persons. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 73 | 02/11/2025 | Richlands Occupancy Tax Authorization. |
| Michael A. Lazzara, Bill Rabon, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 63 | 02/06/2025 | Board of Motor Vehicles/Authority Study. |
| Michael A. Lazzara | SB 29 | 01/30/2025 | Onslow – Delegate Rezoning Authority. |
