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Bill

SB 963

Abandoned and Neglected Cemeteries Fund - Establishment

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Johnny Mautz

Maryland establishes a dedicated state fund to restore and maintain abandoned, neglected cemeteries lacking adequate upkeep resources.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 409
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Bill Summary · SB 963

Legislative bill overview

SB 963 establishes a dedicated fund in Maryland to support the preservation, maintenance, and restoration of abandoned and neglected cemeteries across the state. The bill creates a mechanism for allocating resources to address the deterioration of burial grounds that lack adequate upkeep or financial support from families or organizations.

Why is this important

Abandoned cemeteries pose public health, safety, and cultural preservation concerns, including overgrown grounds, damaged headstones, and lost historical records. This fund addresses a practical gap in cemetery maintenance by providing a state-level solution for communities unable to individually support these spaces, which often contain the graves of historically marginalized populations whose families lack resources for upkeep.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and sustainability: The bill's effectiveness depends on consistent budget allocation; unclear whether funding comes from general revenues, fees, or dedicated sources, and whether amounts are sufficient for statewide needs
  • Allocation criteria: Determining which cemeteries receive priority support could raise equity questions about which communities benefit first, particularly regarding cemeteries of historically Black communities or other underrepresented groups
  • State versus local responsibility: May raise questions about appropriate division of maintenance responsibility between state government and local municipalities or private cemetery organizations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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