House passes Abell bill for family burial grounds on private property

OLYMPIA — Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, secured unanimous House passage of House Bill 2239, legislation that allows families to establish small, private burial grounds on land they own, an option he said reflects the traditions and values of many rural communities.

The measure creates a clear legal pathway for property owners to dedicate a limited portion of their land for family burials while maintaining safeguards to protect public health, neighboring properties and future buyers. The bill includes size limitations, setback requirements and recordkeeping standards, and it explicitly prohibits any commercial use or sale of burial plots.