Bill > A02034

This bill directs the New York State Secretary of State to create and implement an "adopt-a-rural-cemetery" program designed to help improve, repair, and maintain cemeteries in rural communities. The program specifically applies to cemeteries registered with the state's division of cemeteries and located in municipalities with fewer than one million inhabitants. Municipalities can choose to participate voluntarily. The program includes two main components: coordinating volunteer services for cemetery maintenance and installing identification signs for volunteer groups. These signs must follow specific guidelines, such as matching existing cemetery signage, avoiding corporate logos, and being no larger than half the size of existing signs. The Secretary of State is authorized to establish rules about the duration of cemetery adoptions and the requirements for maintaining adopter status. The program will be funded through existing departmental appropriations, covering maintenance costs and signage design and installation. The bill aims to support the preservation and upkeep of rural cemeteries through community engagement and will take effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2034