Sec. 1. 13 MRSA §1101, as amended by PL 1977, c. 255, §1, is further amended to read:

§1101. Maintenance and repairs; municipality

In any ancient or public burying ground in which any Revolutionary soldiers or sailors or soldier or sailor who served in the United States Army, Navy or Marine Corps in any war is buried, the town municipality in which said that burying ground is located shall keep in good condition and repair, all graves, headstones, monuments or markers designating the burial place of said those Revolutionary soldiers or sailors or soldier or sailor who served in the United States Army, Navy or Marine Corps in any war and shall keep the grass suitably cut and trimmed on such those graves during the summer season. Towns Municipalities may raise and appropriate money for such purposes. Each said town shall be liable municipality is subject to a penalty mandatory forfeiture of not more than $100 $200 for neglect to keep in good condition and repair all such graves, headstones, monuments and markers or failing to keep the grass suitably cut and trimmed on said those graves.

SUMMARY

Current law requires towns to maintain the graves and markers of any Revolutionary War soldiers or sailors or any soldiers or sailors who were in the United States Army, Navy or Marines and who served in a war and are buried in graveyards in that town. A town that fails to do so may be penalized up to $100.

This bill increases the fine to $200 and makes it mandatory.