MD HB535

Establishes the Abandoned and Neglected Cemeteries Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund administered by the Secretary of Labor to provide for the care, preservation, maintenance, and restoration of abandoned and neglected cemeteries in Maryland

Defines "abandoned cemetery" as one where the operating organization has ceased to exist, no property owner is listed, the property has been condemned, or legal ownership cannot be determined; defines "neglected cemetery" as one with multiple maintenance citations, disrepair, vandalism, or physical deterioration

Authorizes the Governor to include an appropriation of $250,000 to the Fund in the annual budget bill

Fund sources include state budget appropriations, interest earnings, and other money accepted for the Fund's benefit; expenditures limited to cemetery care/restoration, administration costs, and promotional efforts (capped at 5% of net proceeds)

Requires the Secretary to submit an annual report to the General Assembly by September 30 detailing gross donations, promotional efforts, and a detailed accounting of Fund use; effective October 1, 2025