Maryland Inventory of Cemeteries and Burial Sites Workgroup - Establishment

Maryland creates cemetery inventory planning group

Beginning July 1, 2025, the law creates a temporary workgroup to plan a statewide cemetery and burial-site inventory. The Secretary of Labor appoints members representing local government, descendant communities, cemeteries, and genealogical and historical groups. This includes up to three representatives from local genealogical and historical groups; members choose their own chair. The group reviews legal definitions, documentation methods, existing records, and other states’ systems. It recommends shared definitions, ways to combine records, data categories, system upkeep, a public search tool, and who runs the inventory. It estimates inventory costs and recommends funding beginning in fiscal year 2027. It also studies costs and feasibility of grants helping governments and nonprofit genealogical and historical groups identify cemeteries, with funding recommendations for fiscal year 2027. The law does not create the inventory or grant program or require agencies to provide staff. Members receive no pay but get expenses reimbursed under state travel rules, as provided in the state budget. The report is due to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2025; the law ends June 30, 2026.