Bill > S0275

This bill establishes the Cemetery Vandalism Response Fund, administered by the Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA), to help repair cemeteries damaged by vandalism. "Vandalism" is defined as the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of cemetery property, such as toppling headstones or damaging crypts, and "qualifying damage" refers to vandalism that cannot be fixed through regular upkeep like mowing. Cemeteries, or "agencies," will be required to contribute $5.00 to this fund for each burial or cremation they perform, with these contributions submitted annually to VOCA. Agencies must report any vandalism to VOCA within 30 days and notify lot owners or next of kin, then can apply for grants from the fund to repair qualifying damage within six months, providing detailed documentation including contractor bids and proof that other funding sources have been exhausted. VOCA will review applications and disburse funds directly for repairs, requiring a final report on how the money was spent. The bill also sets an effective date of July 1, 2026, with initial fee collection starting January 1, 2027, for burials and cremations occurring in the latter half of 2026.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.275