The bill amends the eligibility requirements for counties to request reimbursement for preparing and transporting indigent veterans for burial. It specifies that any veteran, except those dishonorably discharged, who qualifies for burial expenses paid by the Department of Family Services also qualifies for payment of burial expenses by counties. The bill increases the maximum amount paid for burial expenses from $1,000 to $1,500 and clarifies that payments made by county commissioners for burial expenses are considered a payment of last resort, following all other sources of funding.

Additionally, the bill removes specific references to veterans who served in particular wars or conflicts, broadening the eligibility criteria for burial assistance. It also establishes that the amount paid for transporting the body shall not exceed $500. The effective date for this act is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19-14-101, 42-2-103