FORWARD: +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ >From today's Chicago Tribune online (www.chicagotribune.com) there is a story about what the Illinois legislature is doing. Down towards the end of the story is this paragraph: "Cemeteries: A sweeping cemetery reform bill approved by the House Constitutional Officers Committee would set up a special fund to preserve abandoned cemeteries." I checked the state legislature's site. It appears that (House Bill) HB3988 is the bill the newspaper mentioned. The synopsis is as follows: Amends the State Comptroller Act, the State Finance Act, the Grave and Cemetery Restoration Act, the Township Code, the Illinois Municipal Code, the Illinois Funeral or Burial Funds Act, the Cemetery Care Act, the Cemetery Protection Act, and the Illinois Pre-Need Cemetery Sales Act concerning cemeteries and burial services. Creates the Cemetery Preservation Fund and designates its sources of income. Authorizes the State Comptroller to appoint a Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board to advise the Comptroller about using funds from the Cemetery Preservation Fund. Authorizes counties, townships, and municipalities to preserve abandoned cemeteries. Makes numerous changes regarding: maintenance and operation of cemeteries; licensing of individuals and entities involved with cemeteries and pre-need contracts; care funds; trust funds; pre-need contract requirements; remedies and penalties for violations; and other matters. Effective January 1, 2000. The main link to the bill is http://imsweb.state.il.us/scripts/imstran.exe?LIBSINCWHB3988 I suggest every one read this legislation. If you agree with it, let your legislators know. (On the other hand, if you don't agree with it, let them know anyway.) Also, if anyone sees anything in the legislation missing, or would somehow mess up existing efforts at cemetery preservation/restoration, now's the time to act. Jon Musgrave www.IllinoisHistory.com ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Robert J. Middleton Nanaimo, Vancouver Island BC Canada Fax/Phone (250) 751-8624 email [email protected] Washington County IL ILGenWeb Co-ordinator Washington County IL Mail List Washington County IL Web Page http://mypage.direct.ca/m/mid/northam.html