Bill > HB616

This bill extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting cemetery vandalism from 1 to 3 years, with the clock starting when local authorities first become aware of or should reasonably have known about the violation. The bill specifically prohibits individuals from willfully destroying, damaging, defacing, or removing any part of a cemetery's grounds, including funerary objects, structures, buildings, walls, fences, railings, and other cemetery elements. The legislation maintains exceptions for repairs or maintenance performed with permission from heirs, descendants, or cemetery owners. Violations of this law are classified as misdemeanors, with potential penalties including imprisonment up to 5 years or fines up to $10,000, depending on the specific type of damage. The bill clarifies and expands existing protections for cemetery grounds, providing local authorities more time to investigate and prosecute acts of cemetery vandalism while establishing clearer guidelines about what constitutes prohibited actions. The law is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0616?ys=2025RS