The "Family and Private Burial Grounds Preservation Act" establishes comprehensive regulations for the protection and maintenance of family and private burial grounds in New Jersey. It defines key terms such as "burial objects," "family or private burial ground," and "permanent disinterment," and grants the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) the authority to oversee these sites. The bill prohibits any disturbance or destruction of burial grounds without proper authorization and requires property owners to notify the DEP of any burial grounds on their property, ensuring that this information is accurately reflected in property deeds. Additionally, the act outlines the responsibilities of property owners regarding maintenance and compliance with local land use regulations for construction or excavation near these sites.

The legislation imposes significant penalties for violations, including criminal offenses and civil penalties that can reach up to $200,000 for repeat offenders. It establishes a Family and Private Burial Grounds Preservation Fund to collect these penalties and support the act's objectives. The bill also allows for the transfer of neglected burial grounds to municipal authorities and outlines procedures for reinterring human remains and burial objects that have been unlawfully disturbed. Overall, the act aims to safeguard the integrity of family and private burial grounds while providing a structured framework for their management and oversight.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45:27-23, 45:27-25