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HD 603

An Act relative to the preservation of existing pet cemeteries

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jim Arciero and 1 co-sponsor

HD 603: An Act relative to the preservation of existing pet cemeteries OverviewBill Number: HD 603 Title: An Act relative to the preservation of existing pet cemeteriesStatus: Pro

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Bill Summary · HD 603

HD 603: An Act relative to the preservation of existing pet cemeteries

Overview

Bill Number: HD 603
Title: An Act relative to the preservation of existing pet cemeteries
Status: Proposed bill
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

This proposed legislation aims to protect and preserve existing pet cemeteries in the state. The bill's sponsors argue that pet cemeteries provide important services to pet owners and their families, and that these burial grounds should be safeguarded from development or other threats to their continued operation.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibits the closure, relocation, or repurposing of any pet cemetery that has been in operation for at least 10 years, unless the cemetery owner obtains explicit approval from the state's Department of Environmental Protection.
  • Requires pet cemetery owners to maintain the grounds, facilities, and records of their cemeteries to specific standards set by the Department.
  • Establishes a pet cemetery preservation fund, funded by a $1 surcharge on all pet adoptions and sales, to provide grants for the maintenance and improvement of qualifying pet cemeteries.
  • Mandates that any new real estate development projects near an existing pet cemetery must include plans to protect the cemetery from disturbance or encroachment.

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be pet owners who have buried their companions in pet cemeteries, as well as the operators of those cemeteries. By preserving these burial grounds, the bill aims to provide peace of mind and continued access for grieving pet owners.

Pet cemetery owners would face new regulatory requirements and financial obligations, but would also gain access to preservation funding and legal protections for their operations. Local communities may see impacts if pet cemeteries are prevented from being redeveloped for other uses.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HD 603 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture for initial review. The committee will hold public hearings to gather input from stakeholders before deciding whether to advance the bill for further consideration by the full legislature. If passed by the legislature, the bill would then require the governor's signature to become law.

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

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