BILL NUMBER: S1151
SPONSOR: OBERACKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the executive law, in relation to establishing an
adopt-a-rural cemetery program
 
PURPOSE:
Requires the Secretary of State to develop and implement an "Adopt-A-
Rural Cemetery" program to improve, repair and maintain cemeteries in
rural communities.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the Executive Law by adding a new section 144-B, which
authorizes the Secretary of State to develop and implement an "Adopt-A-
Rural Cemetery" program for municipalities outside of New York City that
opt to participate in the program. The program will include coordinating
services by volunteers or groups to improve, repair and maintain ceme-
teries; and providing and installing appropriate signs identifying those
volunteers or groups adopting particular rural cemeteries. The program
will also be funded through existing appropriations within the Depart-
ment of State. Section 2. Provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The New York State Division of Cemeteries oversees the maintenance of
approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State. Muni-
cipalities, primarily in rural areas of the state and in small cities,
have struggled to maintain their older cemeteries. These cemeteries may
have dilapidated monuments, overgrown vegetation, or are in need of new
fencing. This legislation is necessary to establish an "Adopt-A-Rural
Cemetery" program, modeled after the highly successful "Adopt-A-Highway"
program, to allow volunteers or groups assist in the crucial maintenance
and preservation of cemeteries in our rural communities throughout the
state.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S8738 of 2023-2024 - Referred to Finance Committee
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately