Bill > A5275

This bill imposes new restrictions on the construction of crematories in New Jersey. The legislation requires that crematories can only be located on dedicated cemetery property that is not exclusively devoted to crematory operations. Starting January 1, 2025, the state board will be prohibited from approving crematory construction applications if the proposed site is within 1,000 feet of certain sensitive locations, including public or private schools, residential zones, and public recreational areas such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, and conservation areas. The bill maintains an exception for crematories operated in conjunction with funeral homes. The restrictions are designed to limit potential negative impacts of crematory facilities on nearby communities by establishing specific geographical limitations on their placement, ensuring they are situated a meaningful distance from schools, residential neighborhoods, and public spaces where people gather or recreate. The act takes effect immediately and is retroactively applied to January 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5275