Bill > S3484

This bill establishes a process to identify and facilitate the final disposition of unclaimed veteran cremains. The key provisions are: 1. It requires funeral directors who have unclaimed veteran cremains to notify the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) one year after cremation. The DMVA can then assist the funeral home in contacting a qualified veterans' organization to receive and properly dispose of the cremains. 2. It mandates that the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System (NJ-EDRS) provide electronic notification to the DMVA when a veteran's remains are cremated, so the DMVA can follow up on unclaimed cremains. 3. It establishes timelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure the new procedures are implemented, with the DMVA and Department of Health required to report on progress to legislative committees if the new requirements are not met. 4. It provides legal protections for funeral homes, funeral directors, and veterans' organizations that properly dispose of unclaimed veteran cremains in accordance with the law. The intent of the bill is to ensure unclaimed veteran cremains are identified and given a dignified final resting place, consistent with the service and sacrifice of the deceased veterans.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S3484