Senate hears SB 1312 to address abandoned private cemeteries and transfer authority

Sen. Richardson presented SB 1312 as a district-and-state concern, saying the state has a growing problem of private cemeteries falling into abandonment. "187 private cemeteries are open and potential to be abandoned. 10 are currently abandoned as we speak," Richardson said, urging colleagues to support measures that define abandoned cemeteries and establish a municipal mechanism to take action on endowment shortfalls.

Richardson said the bill follows recommendations from a study and the bureau’s meeting earlier in the year and has bipartisan support in the Assembly and elsewhere. He described the measure as collaborative and asked for an aye vote; the Senate then proceeded to roll-call on concurrence.