This bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) establish and maintain a central website registry for unclaimed cremains of veterans, which will aid 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 respectfully, either by scattering at sea or interring in designated veterans' cemeteries.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that protect funeral homes and qualified veterans' organizations from civil liability in cases of disposal of cremains, unless gross negligence or willful misconduct is proven. The intent of this legislation is to streamline the process of identifying and interring unclaimed veteran cremains, thereby ensuring that veterans receive the dignified treatment they deserve after death. The establishment of the central reporting system is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort currently expended by veteran organizations in locating these remains, facilitating a more timely and respectful burial process.

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