Criminal Law – Human Remains, Pet Remains, and Cemeteries – Prohibitions

SB 616 strengthens criminal protections for human and pet remains in cemeteries. It expands the definition of "permanent cemetery" to include family- or religiously-owned sites, prohibits tampering with human remains interred in cemeteries, and bans damaging, trafficking, or transporting human remains (with felony penalties of 5-15 years imprisonment or fines up to $30,000). The bill also adds similar prohibitions for pet remains (with one exception), requiring restoration costs for damaged cemetery property and allowing family members to sue for damages. These changes directly affect cemetery visitors, vandals, and anyone handling remains, while updating Maryland’s Criminal Law (Sections 10-401, 10-402, and 10-404).