Creates a provision for the disposition of a veteran's cremated remains

BILL NUMBER:S7562B

Title of bill

An act to amend the executive law and the public health law, in relation to the cremated remains of a veteran and their disposition

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide a method funeral directors, undertakers, and funeral firms who are in the possession of cremated remains for more than one hundred twenty days from the date of cremation, to determine if such remains are those of a veteran and if so, how the remains may be disposed of with the help of veterans' service organizations.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends the executive law by adding a new section 368 to allow cremated remains of a veteran to be deposed pursuant to provisions of section forty-two hundred three of the public health law.

Section 2 of the bill adds a new section 4203 of the public health law to provide a mechanism for disposition of cremated remains of veterans that are in the possession of a funeral director, undertaker or funeral firm for more than one hundred twenty days from the date of cremation.

Section 3 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

Unclaimed cremated remains are languishing on the shelves of funeral homes and crematoriums. Many of them are veterans who have served our nation with honor. Veterans who served honorably in the United states Armed Forces deserve a proper burial. There is a risk that veterans whose remains are unclaimed, and not identified as veterans, will be buried in pauper graves.

This legislation provides a mechanism for funeral directors, undertakers and funeral firms to work with veterans' organizations to properly and honorably dispose of unclaimed created remains of veterans.

Prior legislative history

None. New Legislation.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Current federal and state veterans' groups would provide some of the costs.

Effective date

November 11, 2010.