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From: "Lois Mauk" <>
Subject: [Old Bones CEMETERY-L] Rep. Lytle's news release on Indiana HB 1184
Date: Sat, 4 Mar 2000 09:57:23 -0500


Below is Indiana State Rep. Markt Lytle's 3/3/2000 news release concerning the
passage of HB 1184. It was found this morning on Rep. Lytle's website at:
http://www.state.in.us/R69/

Though I haven't yet had time to update the page to indicate the passage of HB
1184, more information on this legislation is available on the Indiana Pioneer
Cemeteries Restoration Project's website at:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~inpcrp

I also wish to express my appreciation to everyone who has contacted an
Indiana State Legislator in support of cemetery law reform here. Your input
has been of critical importance in persuading the General Assembly to act on
this subject. Thank you.

Lois Mauk
====================

March 3, 2000

"Lytle: Governor will consider continuing cemetery reforms"

INDIANAPOLIS -- A second step in reforming Indiana's cemetery laws has been
approved by the Legislature and is on the way to Gov. Frank O'Bannon for final
approval, according to State Rep. Markt Lytle (D-Madison).

Indiana House members today concurred with changes made by the state Senate to
House Bill 1184, legislation authored by Lytle to continue the process of
identifying and protecting cemeteries on public and private land throughout
the state.

"There are three critical provisions in this legislation," Lytle said. "The
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will survey and record all
cemeteries and burial grounds in the state. The DNR will either handle this on
its own or contract with a historical society or the Historic Landmarks
Foundation of Indiana to do the actual work.

"The second major provision creates a 100-foot buffer zone around a recorded
cemetery or burial ground," he added. "People who wish to disturb property
within the zone must submit a development plan for DNR approval. There will be
exceptions to this rule that cover people who have homes that abut
cemeteries."

Finally, House Bill 1184 requires any person who sells land that contains a
cemetery to disclose its location on a property deed.

"In 1999, we began the process of reforming our state's cemetery laws to
provide an accurate idea of the location of as many of these grounds as
possible so that we could adequately preserve them," Lytle said. "Last year's
focus was keeping track of grave sites in smaller private cemeteries that
might be disturbed, providing a record of any memorials that are lawfully
removed and penalizing those people who engage in criminal mischief in
cemeteries.

"This year we are beginning the process of compiling a statewide record of
cemeteries and burial grounds," he noted. "House Bill 1184 provides a crucial
next step in assuring that the memories of our loved ones are remembered in a
suitable way, and I am very hopeful that the governor will sign this bill into
law."

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