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Lawmakers Consider Rolling Back Tough Cemetery Regulations

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Burr Oak Cemetery

A flag marks a grave at Burr Oak Cemetery near a blue dumpster behind which a pile of human remains were found July 8, 2009 in Alsip. (Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Dave Marsett

Reporting Dave Marsett

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CHICAGO (WBBM) – Tough cemetery regulations imposed last year after the Burr Oak scandal have proved burdensome for many Illinois cemeteries, leading lawmakers to consider rolling them back.

The Illinois Senate has passed legislation revoking key parts of the cemetery law, including the requirement for a centralized state database of gravesites. It also would allow nearly all cemetery managers to avoid getting a license.

The regulations were inspired by the conditions at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip. Investigators found bones and caskets dumped in heaps after allegedly being dug up so that plots could be re-used. In some cases, multiple bodies had been buried in single graves.

Some supporters of the regulations that were approved after Burr Oak said they could support modest tweaks. But they said the legislation now under consideration would gut the law.

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  • Xander

    I guess enough money and influence finally got into the right hands in Springfield. Let’s pass a tough law – then change it because it does the job. Money talks in this state, always has, always will.

  • Shirley Smith

    When you have a small cemetery in central Illinois that is overseen by volunteers with very little money for upkeep and you’re asking them to get schooling and other regulations, then you’re going to have lots of cemetery sites that will be uncared for. Is that what you want? Our cemetery board members are elderly and most of their younger relatives have moved out of the area. We appreciate the time they graciously donate and they do not need to be burdened with laws that do not pertain to the care they give. Get real.

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