This bill amends existing legislation to permit the operation of crematories as standalone facilities, separate from cemetery grounds or funeral homes. It introduces the definition of a "cremation company," which refers to any person or entity that owns or operates a crematory facility. The New Jersey Cemetery and Crematory Board's jurisdiction is expanded to include oversight of these crematory companies, ensuring compliance with regulations similar to those governing cemetery companies. Key amendments require both cemetery and crematory companies to file their regulations and service charges with the board before conducting business, and new crematories established after the bill's effective date must be owned or operated by governmental entities, religious organizations, or properly organized crematory companies.

The bill also incorporates several operational requirements for crematory companies, including the filing of annual reports, maintaining records of cremations, and adhering to specific operational regulations. It prohibits crematory companies from manufacturing or selling urns and from conducting funeral home operations. Additionally, the bill allows for the issuance of 12 permits for crematories that are exempt from certain statutory requirements and ensures that these companies are included in a registry maintained by the board. Furthermore, it extends tax exemptions applicable to cemeteries to crematory companies, aligning their operational frameworks more closely with those of cemeteries.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:27-2, 45:27-4, 45:27-5, 45:27-6, 45:27-7, 45:27-18, 45:27-22, 45:27-25, 45:27-26, 45:27-35, 45:27-36, 45:27-37, 45:27-40, 45:27-41