New Jersey Assembly Bill A582

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Allows for operation of crematories at locations not situated on cemetery grounds or funeral home properties.

Impact

The bill requires that all crematories and crematory companies adhere to specific standards which include being organized as nonprofit entities. Only governmental entities or religious organizations, along with legally defined cremation companies, can own or operate these standalone crematories. This requirement is aimed at ensuring ethical management and oversight of cremation practices, aligning with public health considerations and mourners' interests. Additionally, crematory companies must file annual reports to ensure transparency and compliance with state laws.

Summary

Assembly Bill A582 seeks to revise existing regulations concerning the operation of crematories in New Jersey. Under the new legislation, crematories are allowed to be established as standalone facilities that are not required to be situated on cemetery grounds or in conjunction with funeral homes. This expands the options available for cremation services in the state, as current law only permits crematories to operate within cemeteries or in correlation with specific funeral homes established before December 1, 1971. This change is significant as it reflects a growing demand for independent cremation services.

Contention

Notably, the bill imposes restrictions on crematory companies regarding the sale of urns or other cremation-related merchandise, explicitly prohibiting them from engaging in the manufacturing or sale of such goods. This has raised some concerns among stakeholders in the funeral industry who argue that these limitations may hinder the ability of crematory operators to provide comprehensive service options to families. Furthermore, the requirement for municipal approval for the establishment or enlargement of crematories could potentially lead to additional bureaucratic hurdles, impacting timely access to cremation services.