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Bill

LC 1257

Generally revise laws regarding the desecration of headstones or graves

2025 Regular Session

The bill would revise laws on desecration of graves and headstones, clarifying offenses, penalties, enforcement, and protections for cemeteries.

(LC) Draft Died in Process
#crimes
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Bill Summary · LC 1257

Summary of LC 1257 — Generally revise laws regarding the desecration of headstones or graves

Overview

  • Bill number: LC 1257
  • Title: Generally revise laws regarding the desecration of headstones or graves
  • Status: Draft Died in Process (LC)
  • Introduced: November 12, 2024
  • Subject: Crimes

What is known about the bill

  • The bill proposes a broad general revision of existing laws concerning the desecration of headstones or graves. The available information does not include the bill’s text or specific provisions.
  • Legislative actions to date:
    • 2024-11-12: Drafter Assigned; Draft On Hold
    • 2025-05-24: Draft Died in Process
  • Given the “Died in Process” status, the bill did not advance, and there is no active version moving through the legislature in its current form.

What the bill would address (based on the title)

Because the full text is not provided, precise provisions cannot be confirmed. However, a bill with this title typically seeks to:
- Clarify definitions related to desecration of graves, cemeteries, and headstones.
- Define prohibited acts (e.g., damage, defacement, removal, vandalism, theft of cemetery property) and the contexts in which they constitute offenses.
- Establish penalties or sentencing ranges for desecration offenses (potentially distinguishing misdemeanors vs. felonies and any aggravating factors, such as targeting veterans’ graves or protected sacred sites).
- Outline enforcement mechanisms and prosecutorial guidelines.
- Address exceptions or affirmative defenses (e.g., legitimate maintenance or authorized activities).
- Specify statute-of-limitations, jurisdiction, and venue considerations.
- Provide for civil remedies or restitution related to damaged property or memorials.
- Include provisions for reporting, data collection, or coordination with cemetery operators and law enforcement.
- Set an effective date or specify how the revised provisions would apply (prospective vs. retroactive).

Who would be affected

  • Cemetery operators, operators of mausoleums, and private or public graveyards.
  • Family members and other visitors who use and maintain grave sites.
  • Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors responsible for enforcing and prosecuting desecration offenses.
  • Local governments and potentially religious or community organizations, especially if amendments touch on protected or ceremonial sites.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced on November 12, 2024.
  • Drafter assigned and draft placed on hold on November 12, 2024.
  • The draft subsequently died in process on May 24, 2025, meaning there is no active version advancing through the legislature in its current form.

Next steps (if interested)

  • Monitor for potential reintroduction or new versions (LC 1257 or related bills) that would reflect updated language.
  • If a new draft is released, review the exact text to identify precise definitions, offenses, penalties, and applicability.

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

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