New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04347

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/10/26  
Refer
2/10/26  
Report Pass
5/5/26  
Engrossed
5/11/26  

Caption

Provides that any cemetery corporation is permitted to retire any certificates or other instruments of indebtedness related to its operations to the benefit of such cemetery's permanent maintenance fund upon notice to the certificate owners.

Summary

Bill A04347 amends the not-for-profit corporation law in New York to allow cemetery corporations to retire certificates or other instruments of indebtedness that have unclaimed dividends or proceeds for three years. The bill mandates that cemetery corporations provide a minimum of sixty days notice to the last known owners of these certificates before they can revert the instruments and any associated funds to the cemetery's permanent maintenance fund. This fund is intended for the preservation, improvement, and maintenance of the cemetery, and upon transfer, any voting rights associated with the certificates will be annulled.

Impact

The bill impacts the operations of cemetery corporations by enabling them to manage their financial obligations more effectively. By allowing the retirement of long-unclaimed certificates, it aims to enhance the financial stability of cemetery maintenance funds, ensuring that resources are available for necessary upkeep. This change could lead to a more sustainable model for cemetery management, potentially benefiting the community by ensuring better-maintained burial sites.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04347 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in favor from the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee. The discussions suggest a recognition of the need for cemetery corporations to have more flexibility in managing their financial instruments, which is seen as beneficial for the maintenance of cemeteries.

Contention

There are no notable points of contention reported in the discussions or voting history regarding Bill A04347. The unanimous support suggests that stakeholders, including cemetery corporations and potentially affected families, are in agreement on the necessity and benefits of the proposed changes.

Companion Bills

NY S04392

Same As Provides that any cemetery corporation is permitted to retire any certificates or other instruments of indebtedness related to its operations to the benefit of such cemetery's permanent maintenance fund upon notice to the certificate owners.

Previously Filed As

NY S04392

Provides that any cemetery corporation is permitted to retire any certificates or other instruments of indebtedness related to its operations to the benefit of such cemetery's permanent maintenance fund upon notice to the certificate owners.

NY S00490

Relates to the maintenance of abandoned cemeteries; authorizes a solvent not-for-profit cemetery corporation that merges with an abandoned cemetery in a city to apply for state funds for the maintenance of an abandoned cemetery.

NY A01477

Relates to the maintenance of abandoned cemeteries; authorizes a solvent not-for-profit cemetery corporation that merges with an abandoned cemetery in a city to apply for state funds for the maintenance of an abandoned cemetery.

NY SB0157

Cemeteries and funerals: other; pet cemetery regulation act; create. Creates new act.

NY SB2530

Perpetual care cemetery; allow certain cemeteries to maintain CDs that mature in one year or less.

NY H1400

Relative to maintenance of certification

NY A08724

Prohibits mobile sports wagering operators from enabling or otherwise permitting authorized sports bettors to deposit or withdraw funds to or from their account through gift certificates, open loop gift certificates, or e-wallets.

NY H4475

Nonprofit housing corporations

NY HB05805

An Act Concerning Funding For The Maintenance Of Public And Private Cemeteries.

NY SB146

Relative to medical examiner's certificates and medical certification of the death record.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.