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HB 1000

Criminal Law - Human Remains, Pet Remains, and Cemeteries - Prohibitions

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Ghrist and 6 co-sponsors

Maryland bill criminalizes unauthorized handling, desecration, and improper disposal of human and pet remains and cemetery grounds with specific penalties.

Hearing 2/18 at 11:00 a.m. (Judiciary)
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Bill Summary · HB 1000

Legislative bill overview

HB 1000 establishes criminal prohibitions related to the unauthorized handling, desecration, or improper disposal of human remains, pet remains, and cemetery grounds in Maryland. The bill creates legal consequences for individuals who violate these protections, with specific penalties tied to the severity and nature of the offense.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses gaps in existing criminal law by explicitly protecting the dignity of the deceased and pet remains, while safeguarding cemetery integrity. It provides clearer legal standards for prosecuting grave desecration, unauthorized cremation, and improper handling of remains—issues that currently may fall through jurisdictional or definitional cracks in Maryland law.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and definitional clarity: The bill's specific definitions of what constitutes prohibited conduct with remains and which actions trigger criminal liability may be debated, particularly regarding accidental mishandling versus intentional desecration
  • Pet remains treatment parity: Extending protections to pet remains at the same level as human remains could face opposition from those who view this as regulatory overreach or who question appropriate resource allocation
  • Cemetery oversight and enforcement: Questions about which agencies enforce these provisions, who bears compliance costs for cemetery operators, and how violations are investigated and prosecuted remain practical concerns

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

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