MS HB1285

Owners and lessees of private land containing cemeteries, graves, or burial sites must allow reasonable ingress and egress to family members, descendants, and plot owners who provide notice.

Access is limited to visiting graves, maintaining burial sites, or burying deceased persons; landowners may designate reasonable frequency, hours, duration, and routes.

Motor vehicle access is prohibited unless an existing road or right-of-way exists and the owner grants written permission.

Persons entering private property for cemetery access must not damage property or harass livestock; violators are liable for damages, while landowners are immune from injury liability except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

A person denied reasonable access may file suit in chancery or county court to compel access, with the court authorized to set terms for frequency, hours, and duration.