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HB 5615

AN ACT CONCERNING THE IDENTIFICATION OF GRAVES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Elliott and 2 co-sponsors

HB 5615 mandates systematic identification and documentation procedures for unmarked graves to protect burial sites during property development and preserve historical burial records.

PUBLIC HEARING 0219
#burial #registrarsofvitalstatistics
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Bill Summary · HB 5615

Legislative bill overview

HB 5615 establishes procedures and requirements for identifying unmarked or poorly marked graves, likely including standards for archaeological surveys, documentation, and notification processes. The bill addresses the practical challenges of locating burial sites that lack clear markers or have deteriorated over time, which is particularly relevant for historical cemeteries and sites containing graves of marginalized communities.

Why is this important

Unmarked graves present significant issues for property development, cemetery management, and historical preservation. This legislation ensures systematic identification protects human remains from disturbance during construction or land use changes, while also helping communities—particularly descendants of enslaved people, Native Americans, and other historically underrepresented groups—locate and appropriately honor burial sites that have been lost to time and neglect.

Potential points of contention

  • Development delays and costs: Mandatory grave identification procedures could slow property development timelines and impose compliance costs on landowners and developers
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear definitions of what triggers identification requirements (proximity thresholds, property types) could create regulatory uncertainty or uneven application
  • Tribal sovereignty and consultation: Questions about how the bill balances state authority with Native American consultation rights and tribal jurisdiction over Indigenous burial sites

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

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