Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.
Summary
Bill S01009 amends New York's veterans' services law and public health law to allow a close friend or family member of a deceased veteran, who is familiar with the veteran's wishes, to request burial in a veterans' cemetery. This change aims to simplify the process of arranging burial for veterans by expanding the definition of who can act as the 'agent in control of the disposition of remains.' The bill specifies that this agent must have knowledge of the veteran's desire for burial in a veterans' cemetery and must provide evidence of the veteran's military service as prescribed by the state commissioner.
Impact
The bill impacts state laws by modifying existing provisions regarding the disposition of remains for veterans. It allows for a broader range of individuals to request burial in veterans' cemeteries, thereby potentially reducing bureaucratic hurdles for families and friends of veterans. This change may lead to more veterans being honored in accordance with their wishes, as it recognizes the importance of personal relationships in making such decisions.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S01009 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as indicated by the unanimous votes in both the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee and the Senate Floor. The discussions surrounding the bill suggest a strong consensus on the importance of honoring veterans' wishes and providing their families with the necessary support during difficult times.
Contention
There are no notable points of contention surrounding Bill S01009, as it has received unanimous support in committee and on the Senate floor. The lack of opposition suggests that stakeholders agree on the necessity of the changes proposed in the bill, focusing on the respectful treatment of veterans and their families.
Same As
Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.
Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.
Authorizes a veteran's close friend or family who is reasonably familiar with such veteran's wishes to request that such veteran be buried in a state veterans' cemetery.
Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.