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Bill would create cemetery oversight office, require notice before sales
Summary
SB233 would create an Office of Cemetery Oversight, require public notice and outreach for cemetery sales or government acquisition, exempt religious organizations from state approval while preserving notice requirements, and allow governments to preserve abandoned cemeteries.
Senator Salling presented Senate Bill 233 as a measure to ensure ‘‘respect for those who passed’’ and to give families, descendants and communities a formal voice when cemeteries are sold, transferred or acquired by government. "Cemeteries hold deep historic and cultural significance," he said, describing a review process and public‑notice requirement to increase transparency and allow preservation of abandoned sites.
The bill would establish an Office of Cemetery Oversight to confirm that statutory requirements are met and that human remains are treated “with dignity and respect” if a sale is approved, the sponsor said. Religious organizations would remain exempt from state approval but still would need to provide notice and outreach under the proposal.
Vice Chair (committee member) praised the bill and asked whether House amendments that omitted some exemptions should be accepted. The sponsor said the core priority is ensuring that families and connected community groups have a chance to be heard and that community awareness precedes final decisions.
The committee held no further questions and closed the public testimony on SB233 without immediate floor action noted in the transcript. The measure remains at the committee stage pending any committee report or amendment.
