N.J. Stat. tit. 40, ch. 10B

in effect

N.J. Stat. § 40:10B-1 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Historic Cemeteries Act." L.1983, c. 294, s. 1, eff. Aug. 4, 1983.

N.J. Stat. § 40:10B-2 Legislative findings and declarations

The Legislature finds that within the State of New Jersey, there are many historic cemeteries in which are interred the bodies of citizens who settled and first developed the colonial lands of East Jersey and West Jersey, fought to secure and preserve freedom and liberty, contributed to the historic and cultural development and evolution of the State, its counties and municipalities, and participated in events of historical and cultural importance and significance. The Legislature further finds that because of a lack of funds available to restore, maintain and preserve many of these historic cemeteries, they have fallen into disrepair, disorder and decay. The Legislature further finds that such cemeteries serve to remind us of our cultural and historical heritage, rekindle an awareness of the difficult struggles and unique achievements of preceding generations, and renew, in each succeeding generation, an appreciation and an understanding of the patterns of our State and local history. The Legislature, therefore, declares that it is altogether fitting and proper, and in the public interest, to enable local governmental units to assist in the restoration, maintenance and preservation of such cemeteries. L.1983, c. 294, s. 2, eff. Aug. 4, 1983.

N.J. Stat. § 40:10B-3 Historic cemeteries; restoration, maintenance or preservation by county or municipality; appropriations

The governing body of any county or municipality may provide for the restoration, maintenance and preservation of any historic cemetery located within its borders. As used in this act "historic cemetery" means a cemetery not owned by the State, a county, municipality, or religious corporation or association, in which are interred the remains of prominent citizens or residents of the State or of the Colony of East Jersey or the Colony of West Jersey, or veterans of the Colonial Wars, the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, or World War I, in which not more than 10% of the interments have been made after 1880, in which no interment has been made for 50 years, and for which no funds are available for regular maintenance or preservation. a. The governing body of a county may annually appropriate an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 for the restoration, maintenance and preservation of historic cemeteries located within its borders; provided, however, that no governing body shall expend annually an amount in excess of $500.00 to restore, maintain or preserve any one cemetery. b. The governing body of a municipality may annually appropriate an amount not to exceed $3,000.00 for the restoration, maintenance and preservation of historic cemeteries located within its borders; provided, however, that no governing body shall expend annually an amount in excess of $500.00 to restore, maintain or preserve any one cemetery. L.1983, c. 294, s. 3, eff. Aug. 4, 1983.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026