Bill > A00408

This bill amends New York state law to expand who can request burial of a deceased veteran in a state veterans' cemetery. Specifically, the bill defines an "agent in control of the disposition of remains" as a person responsible for handling a veteran's final arrangements who has knowledge of the veteran's desire to be buried in a veterans' cemetery and can provide evidence of the veteran's military service. The legislation removes a previous requirement that such a person must execute a written statement and instead allows a close friend or relative who is reasonably familiar with the deceased veteran's wishes to request burial in a veterans' cemetery when no one higher in the traditional hierarchy of decision-makers (such as immediate family) is available, willing, or competent to make such arrangements. This change aims to provide more flexibility in honoring a veteran's potential burial preferences by broadening the group of people who can initiate the burial process in a state veterans' cemetery. The bill will take effect immediately upon becoming law.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A408