An Act relative to the theft of graves
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill addresses the issue of the theft of human remains from graves, cemeteries, and burial grounds. It seeks to strengthen penalties and provide clearer legal definitions related to this specific type of crime. The legislation aims to protect the dignity of the deceased and their families by increasing accountability for those who desecrate burial sites. Currently, the legal framework surrounding this issue may be unclear, and this bill intends to rectify those gaps.
Key provisions
- Increases penalties for the theft of human remains.
- Defines ‘grave desecration’ more precisely.
- Clarifies the scope of what constitutes a ‘burial ground’.
- Addresses potential legal ambiguities regarding prosecution.
- Enhances protections for cemeteries and burial grounds.
- Specifies criminal liability for individuals involved in grave theft.
- Provides for enhanced investigative measures related to grave theft cases.
- Establishes a clearer legal standard for determining the severity of the offense.
Who is affected
- Individuals and families of deceased persons.
- Cemetery operators and burial ground managers.
- Law enforcement agencies.
- The legal system.
- The public
Notable changes
- The bill introduces specific criminal penalties for the desecration of graves.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Jacob R. Oliveira
James B. Eldridge
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