House Bill No. by Representative Zeringue amends and reenacts specific provisions of R.S. 29:726.4, establishing the Louisiana Cemetery Response Task Force. This task force is tasked with assessing the response and recovery needs related to cemeteries during emergency declarations. The bill modifies the name from "Statewide Cemetery Response Task Force" to "Louisiana Cemetery Response Task Force" and outlines the powers, duties, and functions of the task force, including the ability to appoint members from other state authorities and to update assessments of cemetery impacts as new information becomes available.

Additionally, the bill expands the task force's responsibilities, allowing it to coordinate with various entities, including federal agencies and non-governmental organizations, and to advise on public health concerns related to disinterred remains. It grants the task force the authority to access records, direct deviations from existing laws for cemetery repairs, and take legal action for recovery of federal funds. The task force is also empowered to access both public and private property to address health and safety risks associated with human remains and to facilitate their reinterment. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated time period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
HB772 Original: 29:4(A)
HB772 Engrossed: 29:4(A)
HB772 Reengrossed: 29:4(A)
HB772 Enrolled: 29:4(A)