Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Funerary Facilities Columbarium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House amends columbarium bill to require smaller upfront perpetuation payments and irrevocable trust for maintenance
Summary
Lawmakers adopted an amendment to the Senate version of a columbarium bill that reduces the required upfront perpetuation fund payment and requires most proceeds to be placed in an irrevocable trust for maintenance of grounds and facilities.
The House adopted an amendment to the Senate version of a columbarium bill on March 26, 2025, changing the financial terms for operators who sell niches in a columbarium.
Under the adopted floor amendment, sellers would make a 10% deposit into the perpetuation fund at each sale rather than an upfront $100,000 payment. The sponsor said the remaining 90% retained by the operator would be placed into an irrevocable trust designated for maintaining grounds and facilities — an approach he described as what local veteran groups requested.
The amendment was introduced and described on the House floor by the bill's supporter, who said the change would enable operators to avoid a large upfront cost while still ensuring a funding stream for long‑term maintenance. The House adopted the amendment by voice vote and moved the bill to engrossment.
What the amendment does: reduces an upfront perpetuation fund requirement to a recurring 10% deposit per niche sale and requires the remaining proceeds be held in an irrevocable trust for maintenance purposes.
Outcome: The amendment was adopted and the bill advanced to engrossment for further action.
