Wilson Signs Bill Easing Rules on Public Cemeteries

In a move that will allow public cemeteries to better compete with private ones, Gov. Pete Wilson has signed into law a bill that allows public cemeteries to house cremated remains above the ground, legislative officials said Thursday.

State Sen. Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach) sponsored the bill after an appeal from Downey Public Cemetery, an aide to Karnette said. Like many public cemeteries, Downey is struggling to generate income and, as space runs out, is facing the prospect of having to turn away people who want to be buried with their loved ones.

Until the governor’s signature of the law on Tuesday, public cemeteries were restricted to underground burials of cremated remains, the aide said. The new law enables cemeteries to build walls to house cremated remains, a cost-effective option previously open only to private cemeteries.

“[This law] will help public cemeteries that are running out of space,” the aide said. “And it will help people who want to have someone cremated but don’t live near private cemeteries.”

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 1999.