Criminal Law - Human Remains, Pet Remains, and Cemeteries - Prohibitions
As a result of this bill, existing legal protections for both human and pet remains would be reinforced, emphasizing the importance of respecting the deceased. The amendments would also allow family members of the deceased to pursue civil actions for damages due to violations of these provisions. By increasing the penalties associated with such offenses, the bill seeks to promote greater accountability and highlight the seriousness of these actions within the context of criminal law.
House Bill 1000 aims to strengthen the laws surrounding the treatment of human and pet remains as well as the protection of cemeteries in Maryland. The bill broadens the definition of a permanent cemetery to include those owned by families or religious organizations and establishes stricter prohibitions against tampering with human and pet remains. Violations of these provisions can lead to significant penalties, including felony charges and hefty fines, which are designed to deter potential wrongdoers from desecrating grave sites or mishandling remains.
While HB1000 aims to provide enhanced protection for deceased individuals and pets, it could raise concerns among certain groups regarding the implications of defining proper conduct in a cemetery. Critics may argue about how these changes could affect individual handling of remains, particularly in cases where familar or cultural practices involve the handling of remains in ways that may overlap with prohibited actions under the new law. Furthermore, the execution of civil penalties might lead to disputes over property restitution, which could impact relationships among family members or community members.