ASSEMBLY, No. 5275

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 10, 2025

 


 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  WAYNE P. DEANGELO

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

Assemblywoman  TENNILLE R. MCCOY

District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywomen Peterpaul, Donlon, Assemblyman Scharfenberger, Assemblywomen Flynn and Haider

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Imposes locational restriction on construction of a new crematory.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  


An Act concerning the construction of a new crematory in certain areas and amending P.L.2011, c.230.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.  Section 5 of P.L.2011, c.230 (C.45:27-40) is amended to read as follows:

     5.    a.  A crematory shall be located only on dedicated cemetery property not exclusively devoted to: (1) the operation of a crematory; or (2) the operation of a crematory and the disposition of cremated remains.  This [section] subsection shall not apply to a crematorium operated in conjunction with a funeral home pursuant to paragraph (4) of subsection c. of section 16 of P.L.2003, c.261 (C.45:27-16). 

     b.  On or after the effective date of P.L.    , c.    (pending before the Legislature as this bill), the board shall not approve an application for construction of a crematory pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2011, c.230 (C.45:27-39), if the nearest boundary of the proposed crematory site is located within 1,000 feet of:

     (1)  a public school or a private school, as those terms are defined pursuant to N.J.S.18A:1-1;

     (2)  an area zoned primarily or exclusively for residential use; or

     (3)  a park, playground, picnic area, square, monument, beach, waterfront, recreation area, conservation area, or similar place or property. 

(cf: P.L.2011, c.230, s.5)

 

     2.  This act shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This bill prohibits a crematory from being located within 1,000 feet of a school, residential area, or certain recreational areas.

     Specifically, the bill provides that on or after the effective date of the bill, the New Jersey Cemetery Board is not to approve an application for construction of a crematory if the nearest boundary of the proposed crematory site is located within 1,000 feet of:

     (1) a public school or a private school;

     (2) an area zoned primarily or exclusively for residential use; or

     (3) a park, playground, picnic area, square, monument, beach, waterfront, recreation area, conservation area, or similar place or property.