Bill > S01151

This bill directs the New York Secretary of State to create and implement an "adopt-a-rural-cemetery" program designed to help improve, repair, and maintain rural cemeteries registered with the state's division of cemeteries. The program will allow municipalities to voluntarily participate and will involve coordinating volunteers or groups to support cemetery maintenance. Participants can have signs installed at the cemetery entrance identifying their volunteer efforts, with strict guidelines for signage: these signs must match existing cemetery signage, be devoid of corporate logos, and not exceed half the size of existing signs. The Secretary of State will establish rules regarding how long volunteers can adopt a cemetery and what requirements they must meet to maintain their adoption status. The program will be funded through existing departmental appropriations, covering maintenance costs and signage design and installation. The bill specifically excludes cemeteries in cities with populations over one million (effectively New York City) and provides flexibility for municipalities to determine their level of involvement.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1151