Bill > HB138

This bill expands eligibility for burial in Maryland state veterans' cemeteries by modifying existing law to include members of reserve components (which are comprehensively defined to include various military reserve branches like Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, etc.) and removing previous residency restrictions. Specifically, the bill allows members of reserve components who have completed their contractual service obligation to be eligible for burial, whereas previously only active duty service members were fully eligible. The bill also introduces a new burial fee structure: while veterans and their immediate family members were previously buried without charge, now members of reserve components and their eligible dependents will be charged a fee equal to the annual plot allowance established by the National Cemetery Administration. Additionally, the bill updates definitions of veterans to include those who served in the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commissioned corps, and provides more flexibility in residency requirements by allowing waivers for compelling reasons. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, aimed at providing more equitable burial options for reservists and their families in state veterans' cemeteries.

Education, Health and Social Services

Health and Government Operations (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0138?ys=2025RS