The bill would require local governments to form public cemetery districts or reorganize existing districts within a specified timeframe upon notice from the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau regarding an abandoned cemetery. This involves additional obligations for local agencies, as they would now be responsible for the ongoing care and maintenance of these abandoned properties. Moreover, it includes provisions to ensure access to the endowment funds for those public entities or private entities that acquire the abandoned cemeteries. This could potentially lead to a more structured management of abandoned cemeteries across the state, addressing local community concerns around the upkeep and historical preservation of such sites.
Summary
Senate Bill 777, introduced by Senator Richardson, addresses the growing issue of abandoned cemeteries in California. The bill aims to amend existing laws related to cemeteries, specifically to facilitate the maintenance and management of abandoned endowment care cemeteries. One of the key components of the bill is the establishment of the Abandonment Grant Funding Program, which is proposed to be funded by increasing current regulatory fees for cemetery management by 150%. The increased fees will be allocated to ensure that enough funds are available to maintain the services necessary for these cemeteries to remain viable.
Sentiment
The sentiment regarding SB 777 appears to be supportive among stakeholders focused on cemetery management and community responsibility. There is a recognition of the necessity to care for abandoned cemeteries and to ensure that communities take responsibility for preserving these sites. However, the financial implications relating to increased fees and the required administrative changes may raise concerns among local governments regarding budget constraints and resource allocation. The bill presents a balancing act between enhancing cemetery management and not overburdening local administrations.
Contention
A notable point of contention is the financial burden placed on local entities due to the newly imposed requirements for managing abandoned cemeteries. There may be debate over the appropriateness of raising fees associated with cemetery management, especially in communities already facing financial challenges. Additionally, while the bill aims to streamline the process of managing abandoned cemeteries, some critics may argue it does not adequately address how existing disparities in care and funding for non-abandoned cemeteries will be managed or resolved.