MS HB309

Creates new Section 41-43-9 of Mississippi Code requiring owners and lessees of private land containing cemeteries, graves, or burial sites to allow reasonable access to family members, friends, descendants, cemetery plot owners, and persons conducting genealogical, historical, or cultural research upon reasonable notice.

Limits access rights to visiting graves, maintaining gravesites or cemeteries, conducting genealogical or historical research, or burying deceased persons in plots.

Grants landowners and lessees the right to designate reasonable frequency, hours, duration, and access routes for cemetery visitors.

Makes persons entering the property liable for any damage they cause to the private land, cemetery, or burial sites.

Provides landowners and lessees immunity from civil liability for injuries or damages arising from granted access, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Effective July 1, 2024.