Governor signs Rep. Ed Orcutt’s bill to address problems at Greenwood Cemetery into law

Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1801 into law today. The legislation, prime sponsored by Rep. Ed Orcutt, will permit state and local governments to apply for a certificate of authority to restore, maintain, protect, and preserve an abandoned cemetery. The concept was designed to resolve issues around Greenwood Cemetery in Centralia.

“I am very pleased that we passed and the governor signed House Bill 1801. The measure will enable the city to enter Greenwood for the purpose of cleaning up the cemetery and restoring it to a condition that respects those who are buried there – and their families who wish to visit and pay their respects,” said Orcutt, R-Kalama. “I really appreciate the work of so many community members and the support of my fellow lawmakers to help address the problems at Greenwood – an issue which many others across the state may encounter, as well.”

The bill will also declare it lawful to enter an abandoned cemetery for burials, care and maintenance activities pursuant to a certificate of authority, and visiting graves. It goes into effect today, which means cleanup at Greenwood Cemetery could begin soon in hopes that cleanup could occur prior to Memorial Day.

Read the entire bill here.

The 2019 legislative session is scheduled to end on April 28.

Note: Photo courtesy of the Washington State House of Representatives.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov