LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6325 NOTE PREPARED: Feb 4, 2025
BILL NUMBER: HB 1585 BILL AMENDED: Jan 30, 2025
SUBJECT: Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.
FIRST AUTHOR: Rep. Carbaugh BILL STATUS: As Passed House
FIRST SPONSOR: Sen. Busch
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
XDEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill exempts certain veteran focused nonprofit cemeteries from certain
deposit and trustee requirements with respect to a perpetual care fund. It provides that certain nonprofit
cemeteries must deposit into the perpetual care fund $30 for every niche in the cemetery.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: Summary - This bill would exempt certain columbariums from
requirements pertaining to perpetual care funds. Under current law, violations of the requirements for
perpetual care funds are punishable as a Level 5 felony, depending on mitigating and aggravating
circumstances. The bill is not expected to impact felony convictions in the state pertaining to perpetual care
funds.
Additional Information - A Level 5 felony is punishable by a prison term ranging from 1 to 6 years, with an
advisory sentence of 3 years. The sentence depends on mitigating and aggravating circumstances. The
marginal cost for medical care, food, and clothing is approximately $4,456 annually, or $12.21 daily, per
prisoner.
Explanation of State Revenues: Summary - Exempting certain columbariums from requirements pertaining
to perpetual care funds could decrease the number of Class C infraction, Class A misdemeanor, or Level 5
felony convictions in the state. However, this bill is not expected to have any impact on state revenue from
court fees and fines.
Additional Information - The maximum fine for a (1) Level 5 felony is $10,000 and (2) Class A misdemeanor
is $5,000, whereas the maximum judgment for a Class C infraction is $500 which would be deposited in the
General Fund. The total fee revenue per case would range between $113 and $135 for Level 5 felonies and
Class A misdemeanors and between $85.50 and $103 for Class C infractions. The amount of court fees
deposited will vary depending on whether the case is filed in a court of record or a municipal court. The
following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed in criminal,
juvenile, and civil violation cases.
HB 1585 1 Explanation of Local Expenditures: A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in jail. If less
defendants are detained in county jails prior to their court hearings, local expenditures for jail operations may
decrease. However, this bill is not expected to have an impact on local correctional facility costs.
Explanation of Local Revenues: This bill is not expected to impact local revenue from court fees. For cases
filed in a court of record, the county general fund receives $47.40 and qualifying municipalities receive a
share of $3.60. For cases filed in a municipal court, the county receives $30, and the municipality receives
$46. The following linked document describes the fees and distribution of the revenue: Court fees imposed
in criminal, juvenile, and civil violation cases.
State Agencies Affected: Department of Correction.
Local Agencies Affected: Trial courts, local law enforcement agencies.
Information Sources: Indiana Supreme Court, Indiana Trial Court Fee Manual; Department of Correction
Fiscal Analyst: Bill Brumbach, 317-232-9559.
HB 1585 2