Establishes Military Funeral Honors Grant Program to provide grants to certain veteran organizations that provide military funeral honors.
Impact
The implementation of this bill is expected to positively impact veteran organizations that are often relied upon to provide dignified military honors during funerals. By offering financial support, S197 enables these organizations to sustain their services, thereby ensuring that veterans receive the honors they deserve at their final ceremonies. The special revolving fund established by the bill will ensure that funds are available and managed appropriately for this purpose.
Summary
Bill S197 establishes a Military Funeral Honors Grant Program aimed at providing financial support to certain nonprofit veteran organizations that offer military funeral honors. The program is designed to assist these organizations, which qualify as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) federal tax-exempt entities, by granting up to $75 for each funeral service they provide. The funding will be administered by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which is tasked with developing guidelines for grant applications and eligibility criteria.
Execution
The effective administration of the Military Funeral Honors Grant Program will depend on the establishment of clear and efficient procedures by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. This includes defining how applications are processed and funds are allocated, as well as ensuring that organizations comply with guidelines for expenditure and reporting. Overall, S197 could enhance the support network for veteran services while fostering collaboration among the Department and local veteran organizations.
Contention
While the bill aims to provide valuable support, potential points of contention could arise regarding the eligibility criteria for organizations that can receive grants and the amount of funding available for each funeral service. Some may argue that the $75 limit may not adequately cover the costs incurred by these organizations, especially if they are providing services for multiple funerals on the same day. Additionally, the process for applying for grants could raise concerns about administrative burdens placed on smaller organizations.
Establishing a State Military Funeral Honor Guard in honor of Hershel “Woody” Williams, known as the Hershel “Woody” Williams State Military Funeral Honor Guard
Requires DMVA provide central website registry of unclaimed veteran cremains for veteran organization locating services; Requires funeral director report possession of unclaimed veteran cremains.
Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.
Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.
Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.