After testimony about destroyed graves, Senate panel backs mandatory cemetery mapping in Northern Virginia

Senate Bill 44, sponsored by Senator Roem, was reported by the Senate Committee on Local Government following testimony that detailed past damage to historic cemeteries. The bill would require localities in Planning District 8 (Northern Virginia) to show cemetery locations on official maps.

Senator Roem said the measure responds to multiple instances where development resulted in damage to historically Black and Native cemeteries. Harvey Jones, who testified remotely, described at least five cemeteries in the Thoroughfare area of Prince William County and said one — the oldest — was destroyed despite county studies that verified its coordinates. Jones told the committee that the loss involved at least 100 graves and framed the bill as necessary to ensure accountability and preservation.

The sponsor and supporters argued the change moves mapping from a permissive practice to a required one in the planning district, improving accountability and protecting historic resources. The committee voted to report SB44 (Ayes 13, No 1).

Next steps: SB44 will proceed to the next stage in the legislative process for further consideration.