CT SB01110

Repeals and replaces Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-218 regarding interference with cemeteries or burial grounds, effective October 1, 2015.

Clarifies authorization requirements by establishing a priority order: (1) burial lot owner, (2) surviving spouse of deceased, (3) lineal descendant of deceased, or (4) municipality, cemetery association, or entity responsible for cemetery management.

Defines interference with cemeteries as either: (A) intentionally destroying, mutilating, defacing, injuring or removing tombs, monuments, gravestones, memorials, fences, railings or enclosures, or (B) wantonly or maliciously disturbing the contents of any tomb or grave.

Reduces the criminal penalty from a Class C felony to a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of $500.

Aims to clarify the statute to ensure law enforcement personnel take proper action when responding to complaints of cemetery violations.