28-03-2025
Pennsylvania rep. introduces legislation to protect cemeteries from eminent domain
BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — A proposed Pennsylvania bill would prevent government agencies from using eminent domain to acquire cemetery land.
Following public outcry over the suggestion that Blair County Commissioners could use eminent domain to acquire land beside the Alto-Reste cemetery a local representative has introduced legislation. Representative Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) is set to introduce legislation titled the Hallowed Ground Bill.
This comes as Blair County Commissioners look to build a new prison in the county. The current one has multiple problems and they've been looking for proper spaces to potentially build a new one.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Blair County residents petition against proposed new jail site
Whilst commissioners have since tabled the discussion to use eminent domain to acquire a portion of the Alto-Reste Park Schmitt still feels as though protective legislation may help in the future.
'The people of the district and all of Blair County have been very vocal in their opposition to this plan. I have heard directly from them and so have the commissioners,' Schmitt said. 'It appears the only course forward is a legislative approach to protecting cemeteries.'
Under current law, portions of cemeteries where burial plots are occupied are protected from eminent domain. However, a loophole exists that allows government agencies to obtain unused parts of cemeteries. Schmitt's bill would not permit eminent domain to be used on any cemetery property.
Schmitt hopes to introduce the bill in the coming days.
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