House Bill No. [insert number] enacts R.S. 8:908, which establishes regulations for the management of abandoned cemeteries in Louisiana. The bill empowers the governing bodies of municipal or parochial governments to utilize their resources to address public health or safety risks associated with abandoned cemeteries within their jurisdiction. This action can be taken at the discretion of the governing body, contingent upon a majority vote confirming that the cemetery poses a public health or safety risk and that addressing it serves a public purpose. The bill defines "abandoned cemetery" as per R.S. 25:933.

Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits the disturbance of graves or the removal of human remains and grave markers during the abatement process. Should exposed human remains be discovered, the responsible municipal or parochial government or volunteers must notify the appropriate state authorities. Additionally, in the event of a declared disaster, local officials are granted the authority to abate any public safety risks or health hazards in both public and private cemeteries caused by the disaster. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without a signature.