MD HB1354

Cemetery owners (registered cemeterians, permit holders, and exempt owners) must obtain approval from the Director of the Office of Cemetery Oversight before selling or transferring a cemetery, in whole or in part, for non-cemetery use

Sellers must submit an application with cemetery details, develop a preservation plan in consultation with the Director, and attempt to contact descendants, unused plot owners, and maintenance volunteers

Public notice requirements include publishing in a local newspaper for 9 successive weeks, posting written notice at the cemetery for at least 60 days, notifying genealogical and historical societies, and holding a public meeting for testimony

The Director must consider public comments on factors including cultural/historical significance of the site, disinterment and reinterment costs, and whether less disruptive purchase offers were received

Government entities (state, county, or municipality) may acquire abandoned cemeteries—those with undetermined ownership, ceased operations, or condemned property—and transfer them to descendant community or nonprofit organizations for preservation