Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans, including but not limited to a military unit, company, battalion or division, if such cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans has been placed in any cemetery; makes violations a class B misdemeanor; permits cemeteries to make such sales upon application to the state cemetery board and upon certain conditions.
Summary
Bill A02524 seeks to amend the general business law in New York to prohibit the unauthorized sale, purchase, or transfer of veterans' commemorative property that has been placed in cemeteries. This includes items such as cemetery markers, monuments, and other memorabilia that are over 75 years old and commemorate the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans. Violations of this law would be classified as a class B misdemeanor. The bill also allows for cemeteries to apply for permission to sell such commemorative property under specific conditions set forth in the legislation.
Impact
The bill will enhance protections for veterans' commemorative property, ensuring that such items are not sold or transferred without proper authorization. It establishes a legal framework for cemeteries to petition for the sale of these items under certain conditions, thereby balancing the need for preservation with the operational needs of cemeteries. This change will affect how cemeteries manage and maintain veteran memorials, potentially requiring them to seek approval from the cemetery board before any transactions involving commemorative property.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A02524 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among veterans' organizations and advocates for veteran rights. Discussions emphasize the importance of preserving the dignity and memory of veterans through their commemorative property. However, there may be concerns regarding the bureaucratic process involved in obtaining permission to sell or transfer such items, which could be viewed as cumbersome by some stakeholders.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the balance between preservation and the operational needs of cemeteries. Some stakeholders might argue that the process for obtaining permission to sell commemorative property could be too restrictive or complicated, potentially hindering the ability of cemeteries to manage their resources effectively. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on what constitutes 'suitable' conditions for the sale or transfer of these items, leading to potential disagreements among cemetery boards, veterans' organizations, and the public.
Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans, including but not limited to a military unit, company, battalion or division, if such cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans has been placed in any cemetery; makes violations a class B misdemeanor; permits cemeteries to make such sales upon application to the state cemetery board and upon certain conditions.
Prohibits the unauthorized sale, purchase or transfer of any cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that is over 75 years old that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans, including but not limited to a military unit, company, battalion or division, if such cemetery marker, flag holder, monument, statue or other physical memorabilia that commemorates the life or death of a veteran or group of veterans has been placed in any cemetery; makes violations a class B misdemeanor; permits cemeteries to make such sales upon application to the state cemetery board and upon certain conditions.