SPONSOR: Roberts
This bill creates the "Veterans' Grave Marker Trust Fund" for the purpose of repairing or reseting grave markers for deceased veterans at cemeteries located in this state that have been damaged by natural causes.
The Veteran's Commission must establish a grant program to provide funds for the repairs. Any family member of a deceased veteran buried at a cemetery located in this state can apply for a grant. The Veterans' Commission will award a grant to the family member if:
(1) The family member provides the name of the deceased veteran and produces evidence of the family relationship to the deceased veteran;
(2) The deceased veteran was honorably separated or discharged from United States military service or was in active service in an honorable status at the time of his or her death;
(3) The deceased veteran is buried at a cemetery located in this state including, but not limited to, a veterans' cemetery;
(4) The grave marker for the deceased veteran has been damaged by natural causes;
(5) The family member agrees to use the grant moneys to repair or reset the grave marker; and
(6) Moneys are available in the veterans' grave marker trust fund.
The Veterans' Commission must establish and post on its website criteria for determining the amount of grants, the contents of the grant application, and the procedures and timelines by which family members may apply for grants.
The Veterans' Commission will award grants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Statutes affected: