New Jersey Senate Bill S1760

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Requires DMVA notify certain veteran organizations and county officers of names of persons buried or cremated in State veteran cemeteries.

Impact

The enactment of S1760 is expected to strengthen the ties between the DMVA and veteran organizations, allowing them to better serve their constituents by having access to updated burial and cremation information. It will also amend existing regulations under N.J.S.38A:3-6, ultimately formalizing the process for communication regarding veterans' final arrangements. By keeping these organizations informed, S1760 may improve community support for veterans and strengthen initiatives that honor their memory.

Summary

Senate Bill 1760, introduced by Senator James Beach, mandates that the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) provides regular updates to certain veteran organizations and county officers regarding individuals buried or cremated in state veteran cemeteries. This legislative measure aims to enhance the communication and transparency concerning the final resting places of veterans, ensuring that interested parties are notified promptly about recent burials or cremations.

Contention

There may be concerns around privacy and the ethical implications of sharing such sensitive information. The legislation stipulates that a waiver must be signed by a representative of the deceased before any burial or cremation details are disclosed, which serves as a protective measure. However, the requirement for consent may still raise questions among families regarding who has the authority to provide it and the potential for delays in the communication process. Stakeholders might also debate the extent of information that should be shared and the appropriateness of certain organizations receiving this data.