Researcher: RP Page 1 4/1/21
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6480
AN ACT CONCERNING THE FUNERAL EXPENSES OF CERTAIN
VETERANS.
SUMMARY
This bill defines the funeral expenses eligible for the state burial
benefit for indigent veterans.
By law, when a veteran dies and does not leave enough money to
pay burial expenses, as determined by the veterans commissioner after
consulting with the appropriate probate court, the state must pay
$1,800 toward his or her funeral expenses for burial or cremation.
Under the bill, “funeral expenses” mean the cost of (1) cash advances
paid by the funeral director, funeral services, and funeral merchandise
(e.g., alternate containers, caskets, urns, vaults, and outer burial
containers); (2) burial, cremation, or disposition; and (3) publishing an
obituary. The bill also makes technical and conforming changes.
By law, a veteran qualifies for this benefit if he or she was (1)
discharged or released under honorable conditions from active service
in the U.S. Armed Forces or (2) had a qualifying condition (i.e., post-
traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual
trauma) and received a discharge that was not dishonorable or for bad
conduct.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2021
BACKGROUND
Related Bill
HB 5592, favorably reported by the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,
expands eligibility for the state burial benefit for indigent veterans
(and other veterans programs and benefits) to veterans released with
an other than honorable discharge based on a qualifying mental health 2021HB-06480-R000239-BA.DOCX
Researcher: RP Page 2 4/1/21
condition or their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
expression, as determined under the bill.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 17 Nay 0 (03/18/2021)