New Jersey Senate Bill S3022

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/24
• Refer: 4/8/24

Caption

Requires DMVA provide central website registry of unclaimed veteran cremains for veteran organization locating services; Requires funeral director report possession of unclaimed veteran cremains.

Impact

If enacted, this bill aims to facilitate a more expedient and respectful process for the burial of unclaimed veterans’ cremains. By requiring the establishment of a central registry, the bill endeavors to reduce the time these remains are left unburied, which, according to estimates from veterans organizations, can be as long as 28 years or more in some cases. The new requirements place an emphasis on accountability among funeral directors and ensure that veterans and their families are afforded the honor they deserve even after death.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 3022, introduced in New Jersey, focuses on the handling of unclaimed cremains of veterans. It mandates that the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) create a central website registry aimed at aiding veteran organizations in locating unclaimed veteran cremains. Furthermore, the bill requires funeral directors to report any unclaimed cremains after a diligent search for relatives has been performed, thereby ensuring a more dignified burial for veterans who may otherwise go unremembered. The bill expands upon previous legislation that allowed veteran organizations to assume custody of unclaimed cremains after one year.

Contention

While the bill aims to address a significant issue regarding the treatment of veterans' remains, it may encounter concerns regarding the additional responsibilities placed on funeral directors. The bill requires that these professionals not only report unclaimed cremains but ensure diligent efforts to contact relatives. This responsibility may lead to operational challenges and public discussions about the best means to honor veterans while maintaining efficient practices in the funeral industry. Ensuring compliance without undue burden on funeral directors could become a focal point of legislative debate.