Bill > SB354

This bill establishes the Maryland Inventory of Cemeteries and Burial Sites Workgroup, a diverse committee composed of representatives from various state agencies, historical organizations, and local entities, tasked with studying and developing a comprehensive state cemetery inventory system. The Workgroup, which will include members from the Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight, preservation organizations, and local government and community representatives, is charged with several key responsibilities: identifying and standardizing definitions related to cemeteries and burial sites, evaluating current documentation practices, studying cemetery inventory systems from other states, assessing existing local inventories, recommending data collection categories and system functions, determining the most appropriate agency to manage the inventory, estimating implementation costs, and exploring the feasibility of a grant program to support cemetery identification efforts. The Workgroup is required to submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2025. Members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with a one-year duration before automatically expiring on June 30, 2026.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0354?ys=2025RS