Requires cemeteries to provide for the expeditious burial and interment of deceased who are a part of certain religious and cultural communities

BILL NUMBER:S2701

Title of bill

An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring cemeteries to provide for the expeditious burial and interment of deceased humans consistent with the conscious or cultural community of which they were a part

Purpose

The purpose of this legislation is to require cemeteries to be conscious and sensitive to the deceased whose culture requires a time sensitive burial.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends the general business law by adding a new section 451-a which requires cemeteries to accommodate the burial of a deceased human if two-hours notice are given, and the deceased arrives one-half hour before sunset. If the above accommodations cannot be met, the cemetery must provide a log, or other written proof of their inability. Additionally, this section makes it known that extra expenses may be added to the cost of the burial, if necessary, to make any accommodations available.

Section 2 is a compliance clause.

Section 3. This legislation shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become law.

Justification

Those communities and people whose custom is immediate burial upon death, in some instances, have been denied such burial in a timely manner. The bill addresses this sensitive issue.

Fiscal implications

None

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have become law.