MD HB892

Authorizes persons with a burial right, descendant community organizations, nonprofit preservation organizations, governmental units with an interest in the property, or persons in interest to bring a legal action when a property owner proposes the sale, transfer, or alternate use of all or part of a cemetery that does not conform with cemetery operations.

Places the burden of proof on the property owner in any proceeding regarding the disposition of the property and cemetery, and requires the court to either allow, prohibit, or order an alternative disposition of the cemetery after hearing from interested parties.

If the court approves a sale, it must order that sale proceeds first cover the costs of removing and reburying human remains in another cemetery, with remaining proceeds distributed among parties according to their interests; a court-approved sale conveys title free of claims from cemetery owners and burial rights holders.

If the court finds a sale or transfer inappropriate, it must either approve the transfer to a descendant community organization or other nonprofit (including at a donation or nominal fee) that agrees to maintain the cemetery, or order a negotiation between the owner and the prospective acquirer.

Repeals the existing separate provision (Section 5–506) for the sale of abandoned or harmful burial grounds specific to Baltimore City, and adds new definitions for "cultural affiliation," "descendant community organization," and an expanded definition of "cemetery" that includes business-related structures; effective October 1, 2026.