MD SB1021

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

Religious organizations that own cemeteries are exempt from most requirements but must still attempt to contact descendants, plot owners, and cemetery maintainers, and must provide public notice before any sale or transfer

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

State, county, or municipal governments may acquire abandoned cemeteries (where ownership is undetermined, the operator has ceased operations, or the property has been condemned) for the purpose of transferring ownership to descendant community organizations or nonprofits

Effective date is October 1, 2025