This bill amends existing New Jersey law to allow for the interment of cremated pet remains in certain cemeteries, specifically alongside human remains. The interment of cremated pet remains must occur simultaneously with the interment of human remains, and the cemetery company must provide written authorization to the lot owner for this process. Additionally, the cemetery is required to provide a list of charges associated with the interment of cremated pet remains, and any payments received for such interments must be deposited into the cemetery company's Maintenance and Preservation Fund. However, cremated pet remains are explicitly prohibited from being interred in columbariums or public mausoleums.

The bill introduces definitions for "cremated pet remains" and clarifies that they consist of the recoverable bone fragments and container residue resulting from the cremation of a pet. It also allows cemetery companies to deny the interment of cremated pet remains if prior approval has not been obtained at the time of sale or in advance of need. The legislation aims to provide more options for pet owners while ensuring that cemetery companies maintain control over interment practices.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:27-2, 45:27-16