HB 5377
Burial Equity Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Burial Equity Act, aims to provide equitable access to the state veterans’ cemetery for veterans and former members of the National Guard and military reserves. It establishes a Burial Equity Grant Program to help cover burial costs for eligible families, up to $1,000, and creates a dedicated Burial Equity Fund to support these grants. The program has retroactive application, extending eligibility to those who passed away after March 15, 2022.
Key provisions
- Creates a Burial Equity Grant Program to assist families with burial costs (up to $1,000).
- Establishes a Burial Equity Fund to finance the grant program.
- Defines eligibility criteria for burial in the state veterans’ cemetery, including service in the National Guard or military reserves.
- Grants the Department of Veterans Affairs authority to administer the grant program and the Burial Equity Fund.
- Provides for retroactive application of eligibility criteria to deceased veterans and reservists.
- Authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to acquire property for potential use by the federal government for a national cemetery.
- Specifies funding sources for the Burial Equity Fund, including state appropriations, federal grants, and private donations.
- Outlines a first-come, first-served basis for grant issuance.
Who is affected
- Veterans
- Former members of the National Guard
- Former members of the military reserves
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