April 24, 2014
Legislation (HB 5557) creating a fund to help cities and towns maintain neglected cemeteries was passed by the House of Representatives today.
"The number of neglected cemeteries has been increasing over the years, and there is often no one responsible for caring for these hallowed grounds," Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). "Even with good hearted volunteers coming forward, it was important to help our towns deal with this challenge without asking hard-working families to foot the bill."
"I want to thank the Speaker for his leadership on an issue that will affect the residents of Hamden," said State Rep. Michael D'Agostino (D-Hamden). "This will enable the town of Hamden to coordinate the upkeep of the State Street Cemetery using state funds and free from the threat of lawsuits."
Neglected cemeteries include burial grounds with at least six internments that are no longer under control or management of an operating cemetery association. There are numerous neglected cemeteries throughout the state, some dating as far back as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Fees collected by the Department of Public Health for the issuance of death certificates will be used to pay for the fund. The bill also protects municipalities from liability resulting from their care and maintenance, such as mowing lawns, weed management, and repairing fences.