This bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) establish a central website registry to track unclaimed cremains of veterans, thereby aiding veteran organizations in locating these remains. It requires funeral directors, after making diligent efforts to find a relative or friend of the deceased, to notify the DMVA in writing or electronically about any unclaimed veteran cremains they possess one year after cremation. The bill also stipulates that funeral directors must grant qualified veterans' organizations the right to receive these unclaimed cremains, which can then be disposed of in a dignified manner, such as scattering at sea or interring at designated veterans' cemeteries.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect funeral homes and veterans' organizations from civil liability in the disposal of cremains, unless gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven. The establishment of the central reporting system is intended to streamline the process of identifying and claiming unclaimed veteran cremains, ultimately ensuring that veterans receive a proper burial and are honored posthumously. This legislation aims to address the issue of long-abandoned cremains, which can remain unclaimed for decades, and to facilitate a more respectful and timely resolution for these veterans.

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