ASSEMBLY COMMERCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5275

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 20, 2025

      The Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 5275.

      As amended, this bill prohibits the New Jersey Cemetery Board from approving an application to construct a crematory if the crematory site is proposed to be located within 1,000 feet of a school, an area zoned for residential use, or a recreational area.

     The bill specifically provides that on and after January 1, 2025 the New Jersey Cemetery Board may not approve an application to construct a crematory if the nearest boundary of the crematory site is proposed to be located within 1,000 feet of:

· a public or private school;

· an area zoned primarily or exclusively for residential use; or

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to specify that the bill’s provisions apply retroactively to January 1, 2025.