Pennsylvania House Bill HB427

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

In Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, providing for burial benefits.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact the way burial services for veterans are handled at the local level. By instituting a formal notification process, the bill aims to create a clearer line of communication between funeral service providers, families, and veterans affairs departments. This change could lead to improved access to burial benefits and other related services for families, potentially reducing delays or oversights that may occur in the aftermath of a serviceperson's death.

Summary

House Bill 427 aims to amend Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance burial benefits for deceased servicepersons. The bill establishes a requirement for licensed funeral directors and cemetery companies to notify the county director of veterans affairs within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a serviceperson. This notification must be accompanied by the contact information for the county director, ensuring that the families are informed of the resources available to them through local veterans affairs offices. The legislation seeks to streamline the process of accessing burial benefits and to ensure that veterans' families receive timely support following their loss.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 427 appears to be largely positive, particularly among legislators and veterans' advocates who support enhanced benefits for servicepersons and their families. The bill is viewed as a necessary step in ensuring that the rights and needs of veterans are respected and upheld. However, there are potential concerns regarding the administrative burden this could place on funeral directors and how well the counties can handle increased responsibilities.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise from the practical implementation of the bill's requirements. Critics might argue about the adequacy of the notification timeframe and the resources available to funeral directors and cemetery companies to comply with this new mandate. Furthermore, potential discussions could focus on ensuring that veterans' families are adequately informed about their benefits and support options, which is crucial for the legislation's success.