(NASHVILLE) — An initiative sponsored by State Representative Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet) protecting Tennessee’s family cemeteries has passed in the General Assembly.
House Bill 1572 — which passed by an 88-2 vote tally in the House chamber — safeguards family cemeteries across our state from being improperly developed or accidentally destroyed. Under the new law, the commission would also be required to create an advisory committee for the purposes of studying, protecting, and preserving Tennessee’s cemeteries and burial sites — especially those of historical significance.
Steve McDaniel, Deputy Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, was the originating sponsor of the bill. The idea for the legislation came after a Nashville area business purchased land which included a family burial ground. The business owner moved the bodies without first obtaining permission. Once made aware that he had to return the bodies, it was realized that he had misplaced the remains of some of those who were buried at the location.
The overall goal of House Bill 1572 is to better protect our family cemeteries and burial sites across the state from improper infringement and to identify the many family grave sites across the state.
“We have seen many of our gravesites and cemeteries in communities across Tennessee completely disappear in recent years,” said Representative McDaniel. “House Bill 1572 will ensure that these properties are protected and that those who are buried there are undisturbed and can continue to rest in peace.”
“Not only are our family cemeteries important to people who have buried generations of their relatives at particular sites, but some also have historical significance,” said Representative Lynn. “This new law will help purchasers of land identify burial sites that may be on the property and provide comfort to families who want to know that their loved ones are protected.”
For more information about House Bill 1572, please click here.
Susan Lynn serves as the Chairman of the House Consumer & Human Resources Subcommittee. Lynn is also a member of the House Consumer & Human Resources, House Finance Ways & Means, and House Ethics Committee, as well as the Joint Fiscal Review Committee. She lives in Mount Juliet and represents House District 57, which includes Wilson County. Lynn can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-7462.
Steve McDaniel serves as Deputy Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. He is also Chair of the House Rules, and Ethics Committees, as well as the House Finance, Ways, & Means Study Subcommittee. Additionally, McDaniel serves as a member of the House Agriculture & Natural Resources, and the House Finance, Ways, & Means Committees, as well as the House Ethics and House Finance Ways & Means Subcommittees, and the Joint Pensions & Insurance Committee. McDaniel lives in Parkers Crossroads and represents House District 72, which includes Henderson, Chester, Decatur, and Perry Counties. He can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-0750.