New Jersey Assembly Bill A1131

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Report Pass: 6/6/24
• Engrossed: 9/26/24
• Refer: 9/30/24

Caption

Requires DMVA provide central registry of unclaimed cremains of veterans, spouses, and dependents; requires funeral director report to DMVA possession of unclaimed veteran, spouse, and dependent cremains.

Impact

The legislation amends existing laws to streamline the process by which unclaimed cremains can be disposed of. Specifically, it enables qualified veterans' organizations to retrieve these cremains if diligent efforts to locate relatives have failed. This prevents potential disrespect to the deceased veterans and allows proper memorialization, either through scattering at sea or interment in a state-operated veterans' cemetery, if the individual is eligible. By instituting a structured approach, the bill enhances state law regarding veterans' remains and memorial practices.

Summary

Bill A1131 is a legislative proposal aimed at addressing the handling of unclaimed cremains of veterans, their spouses, and dependents. It mandates the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to establish a central registry for such cremains, ensuring that they can be dignified and respectfully handled if not claimed by relatives or friends. The bill requires funeral directors to notify the DMVA about unclaimed cremains after one year, which ensures that these remains are treated with the proper respect and are not abandoned.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding Bill A1131 appears positive, with bipartisan support highlighting its humanitarian aspects. Lawmakers and veteran advocacy groups support the bill, emphasizing the need to ensure that the remains of veterans are treated with dignity and respect, reflecting ontological values that serve both remembrance and honor for those who served the nation. The focus on accountability for funeral directors and the bureaucratic involvement of the DMVA is seen as a beneficial measure for maintaining the integrity of veterans' burial practices.

Contention

One point of contention discussed in the legislative process relates to the liabilities of funeral directors and veterans' organizations regarding the disposal of unclaimed cremains. There is a provision that protects these entities from civil liability unless there is gross negligence or willful misconduct. This is intended to encourage the reporting of unclaimed cremains without fear of legal repercussions, although some stakeholders argue that there should be more oversight to ensure that the rights of the deceased and their families are upheld unequivocally.