This bill aims to address the issue of unclaimed cremains of veterans by requiring funeral directors to notify the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) about any unclaimed veteran cremains in their possession after one year from the date of cremation. Specifically, the bill mandates that funeral directors, after making diligent efforts to locate relatives or friends of the deceased, must inform the DMVA of the location and identity of these cremains. Additionally, the bill establishes a central Internet-based registry maintained by the DMVA to assist veteran organizations in locating unclaimed cremains, thereby facilitating their proper burial.

The legislation amends existing laws to enhance the process for handling unclaimed veteran cremains, ensuring that they are treated with dignity and respect. It allows qualified veterans' organizations to receive these cremains if they remain unclaimed after one year, provided that the funeral director has made a diligent effort to notify relatives. The bill also includes provisions that protect funeral homes and veterans' organizations from liability in civil actions related to the disposal of cremains, unless gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven. Overall, this bill seeks to streamline the process of identifying and interring unclaimed veteran cremains, ensuring that veterans receive the honor they deserve in a timely manner.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:7-18.2, 38A:3-2