Bill > A1131

This bill requires funeral directors in New Jersey to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs about unclaimed cremains of veterans, their eligible spouses, and dependents. Specifically, if a funeral director has possession of cremains that have not been claimed by relatives or friends one year after cremation, they must inform the Department of Veterans Affairs about the location and identity of those cremains. The bill also establishes that qualified veterans' organizations can receive these unclaimed cremains and dispose of them respectfully, such as scattering them at sea or interring them at a veterans' memorial cemetery. Additionally, the bill mandates that the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System (NJ-EDRS) provide electronic notifications to the Department of Veterans Affairs when a veteran or eligible family member's cremation permit is issued, including details like the decedent's name, address, service dates, and date of death. The legislation aims to ensure that veterans and their families are properly honored and that unclaimed cremains are handled with dignity, while protecting funeral homes and organizations from liability unless there is gross negligence.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A1131