Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Ohio House Bill 444 - Signed into law by the Governor of Ohio - Effective April 9, 2021 - Affects transfer of cemeteries to townships

 Ohio House Bill 444, affecting Ohio's township cemeteries, was signed into law January 9, 2021 and will take effect April 9, 2021.  

State Representative, Cindy Abrams, a primary co-sponsor of HB 444 published an announcement of the passage of the bill on January 12, 2021.  Brian Baldridge is the other primary co-sponsor of this bill. 

A link to the legislative summary of HB 444.:


"Under current law, Ohio’s 1,308 townships must receive legislative permission from the Ohio General Assembly in order to enact any new abilities to carry out their duties to the public. H.B. 444 authorizes Ohio’s townships to execute decisions individually to help improve local government services and operations."  

Provisions of the bill include:

"Putting minimum standards in place regarding the transfer of cemeteries

 Allowing for another source of revenue for townships through Industrial Development Bonds

Addressing public safety concerns by making emergency responses more efficient

Providing flexibility to create Special Improvement Districts to spur economic growth

Establishing liability protections for county treasurers, municipal treasurers, and township fiscal officers for loss of funds in certain circumstances

Clarifying property tax law in regard to liens"

Proponent testimonies are included and available for download.