Abandoned and Neglected Cemeteries Fund - Establishment

New fund supports Maryland’s neglected cemeteries

Beginning October 1, 2025, Maryland creates a Labor Department fund for abandoned and neglected cemetery care, preservation, maintenance, and restoration. Qualifying cemeteries include those without an identifiable responsible owner or organization, or with repeated maintenance citations, vandalism, or deterioration. The Governor may include up to $250,000 annually in the state budget, but funding is not guaranteed. The fund also accepts donations and other money, with no state income tax donation checkoff. Unspent money stays in the fund, and spending follows the state budget process. The State Treasurer invests the money and credits interest to the fund; the law includes a fiscal years 2024–2028 exception to General Fund interest rules. The department maintains accounts for administration and donation promotion; promotion cannot exceed 5% of net proceeds. Cemetery care spending must add to, not replace, existing Office of Cemetery Oversight funding. By September 30 each year, the Labor Secretary must report total donations, promotional efforts, and detailed spending to the General Assembly.