The Legislature on May 23 advanced bill 49‑38, a measure to formalize land registration and transfer for an 11‑plus‑acre parcel intended to expand the Tequok (Tiguan) Cemetery, while adding requirements aimed at ensuring the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will have explicit maintenance plans and outside assistance.

Supporters said the bill is the most immediate option to secure additional burial capacity for residents who cannot afford private interment. Senator proponents said surveys and historic‑property clearances had already been completed and that Department of Land Management had forwarded land‑registration documents to the Office of the Attorney General for final disposition.

The Legislature adopted several floor amendments. Lawmakers removed an initial contested subsection and approved language granting DPR administrative jurisdiction over Lot 258 while final title is processed, rather than immediate fee simple transfer. The body also unanimously approved a floor amendment requiring DPR and the Department of Public Works (DPW) to execute a memorandum of understanding that delineates maintenance, equipment and personnel responsibilities; after debate lawmakers extended the draft deadline from 60 to 120 days to allow interagency coordination.

Another amendment requires DPR to develop and present a cemetery master plan with identified funding needs within one year of enactment and to append DPR correspondence and the Lot 273 draft plan to the committee report. Senators pressed for the plan to include stormwater management, prioritized construction of crypts and clearer accountability for routine upkeep—concerns that followed public testimony noting only eight public plots remained.

Committee members and the bill’s author repeatedly said the changes respond to public testimony and longstanding surveys and that the bill aims to codify the registration and title process so DPR can proceed with cemetery improvements. The Legislature placed the bill on the third‑reading voting file without recorded objection.

What’s next: The bill now proceeds to the third‑reading voting file; if enacted, DPR will have 120 days after enactment to finalize the MOU with DPW and one year to deliver a master plan and cost estimate to the Legislature.