Mar. 27, 2025
ALTOONA – To close a loophole in current law, Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Blair) will soon introduce his Hallowed Ground Bill that would no longer allow government agencies to use eminent domain to acquire unused portions of cemeteries.
Schmitt crafted the legislation after hearing public outcry over plans by the Blair County commissioners to use eminent domain to acquire a portion of Alto-Reste Park for a new county prison.
“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 forthcoming Hallowed Ground Bill would close the loophole and not permit eminent domain to be used on any cemetery property.
“Blair County encompasses more than 525 square miles. Surely there are far better areas to develop a new prison that doesn’t encroach on those resting in hallowed ground,” Schmitt said. “Common sense should dictate that you don’t put a prison in close proximity to a school, a church, a hospital or a cemetery.”
Schmitt intends to introduce the bill in the coming days.
Representative Lou Schmitt
79th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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