HB 5625

Abstract

Creates the Access to Cemeteries on Private Property Act. Provides that owners of private property on which a cemetery or graves are located have a duty to allow ingress and egress to the cemetery or graves by: (1) family members and descendants of deceased persons buried there; (2) any cemetery plot owner; and (3) any person engaging in genealogy research who has given reasonable notice to the owner of record or to the occupant of the property or both. Provides that a landowner may not erect a wall, fence, or other structure or device that prevents ingress and egress to the cemetery or grave unless the wall, fence, or other structure or device has a gate or other means by which ingress and egress can be accomplished. Provides that the landowner may designate the frequency of the access, the hours and duration of the access, and the access route if no traditional access route is obviously visible by a view of the property. Provides that the landowner, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct, is immune from liability in any civil suit, claim, action, or cause of action arising out of the access granted. Provides that any person entering onto private property to access a gravesite or cemetery is responsible for conducting himself or herself in a manner that does not damage the private lands, the cemetery, or the gravesites and is liable to the owner of the property for any damage caused as a result of his or her access. Provides that a person denied reasonable access may bring an action in the circuit court where the property is located to enjoin the owner of the property from denying the person reasonable ingress and egress to the cemetery or graves. Provides that in granting relief, the court may: (i) set the frequency of the access and the hours and duration of the access; and (ii) award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the person denied access. Provides that the Act does not apply to any deed or other written instrument that creates or reserves a cemetery or gravesite on private property.