South Dakota House Bill HB1065

South Dakota 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Report Pass: 2/16/23
• Engrossed: 2/22/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/27/23
• Report Pass: 3/1/23
• Enrolled: 3/6/23
• Passed: 3/27/23

Caption

Increase the maximum amount of dollars payable by the state to erect the headstone of a deceased veteran.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1065 will potentially increase state expenditures related to veteran memorials but is expected to provide enhanced support to the families of veterans in paying for notices that mark their final resting places. Additionally, this bill underscores the state's role in acknowledging and valuing the contributions of military personnel, enhancing the dignity of their remembrance. The adjustment in funding will allow families to access higher quality memorials for their loved ones, ensuring that those who served the state receive the respect they deserve even posthumously.

Summary

House Bill 1065 seeks to amend the South Dakota statute concerning the provision of headstones for deceased veterans. The bill is primarily focused on increasing the maximum amount that the state will pay for the erection of a headstone or memorial marker. Currently, the law limits the state’s financial obligation to $200, which this bill aims to revise, although the new maximum amount is not specified in the available text. The intent behind this amendment is to better honor the sacrifices made by veterans and to provide adequate memorials for their service even after their passing.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1065 is likely to be positive, especially among veteran advocacy groups and families of deceased veterans who would benefit directly from the increased support for memorializing their loved ones. There is a strong cultural and societal appreciation for military service in South Dakota, which may reflect broader bipartisan support for the bill, despite the specifics of the funding increase being a potential point of discussion. The community generally rallies behind initiatives that honor veterans, and this bill is positioned favorably within that context.

Contention

While the bill appears straightforward in its intent, there could be discussions regarding the appropriateness of the funding amount increase and the implications it has on state financial resources reserved for veterans. Budgetary constraints and decisions on how funds are allocated among various veteran services may arise as the legislature considers HB 1065. There is the potential for debate on priorities in veteran care, though it is anticipated that the prevailing view will support enhancing memorial provisions for those who have served.