New Jersey Assembly Bill A4006

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/16/22
• Refer: 5/16/22

Caption

Allows interment of cremated pet remains in certain cemeteries.

Impact

If passed, AB A4006 will modify the New Jersey Cemetery Act, allowing funeral practices to evolve in response to changing societal norms surrounding pet ownership. The legislation proposes that cemetery companies create specific guidelines for the interment of pet remains, thereby establishing a new revenue stream for these entities while catering to the emotional needs of pet owners. However, it also retains some restrictions, such as prohibiting the interment of cremated pet remains in columbariums or public mausoleums, which maintains some traditional boundaries in cemetery practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4006 aims to amend existing New Jersey cemetery regulations to allow the interment of cremated pet remains in designated cemeteries. Specifically, the bill permits the burial of cremated pets alongside human remains, provided that the interment occurs simultaneously with the burial of a human body and is authorized by the cemetery company. This change seeks to offer pet owners a chance to keep their beloved animals close even after their passing, reflecting a growing trend toward the humane treatment and memorialization of pets.

Contention

Debate around A4006 may arise regarding the appropriateness of mixing human and pet remains in cemeteries, a practice that is traditionally viewed as separate. Some cemetery operators might express concerns about the implications for cemetery management and the potential dilution of human burial practices. Additionally, while the bill seeks to provide comfort to pet owners, concerns over cemetery operations and the distinct classification of human versus animal remains may lead to differing opinions among stakeholders in the cemetery sector.