Bill > HB893

This bill allows a governmental unit, such as a city or county, to acquire property containing an abandoned cemetery through condemnation, which is a legal process to take private property for public use. The purpose of this acquisition is to transfer the property to descendants of those buried there, a "descendant community organization" (an organization whose members have ancestors buried in the cemetery or share a cultural, racial, or ethnic affinity with the deceased), or a nonprofit organization. After acquiring the property, the governmental unit must make reasonable efforts to contact potential recipients to arrange the transfer. If a suitable recipient is found, they are responsible for maintaining and preserving the cemetery. If the governmental unit cannot find a recipient within a reasonable time, it may facilitate the reinterment of any human or pet remains to another cemetery. The bill also defines "cultural affiliation" as a historically traceable shared group identity.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0893?ys=2026RS