House Bill 1635, also known as Senate Bill 1888, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 46, Chapter 6, regarding eligibility for interment in state veterans' cemeteries. The bill establishes that individuals are eligible for interment if they meet the criteria set forth in 38 U.S.C. 2402 or if they were members of a reserve component of the armed forces who were discharged under honorable conditions and completed their service obligation. Additionally, the eligibility for interment extends to the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and dependent incapacitated child of eligible individuals, as determined by federal law. The bill also specifies that interment or memorialization is prohibited if it conflicts with 38 U.S.C. 2411.

Furthermore, the bill eliminates the fee for interment for eligible veterans, reserve component members, their most recent spouses, and minor or dependent incapacitated children. The amendments include a list of acceptable documents for verifying eligibility, such as various discharge forms and official service-related documents. The bill ensures that the implementation of these provisions does not jeopardize federal funding for state veterans' cemeteries. The act will take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of supporting veterans and their families.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46-6-105, 46-6-107