HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to ensure families of deceased service members are notified of burial benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was approved with strong bipartisan support by the House of Representatives today.
“A little bit of communication can make a big difference for families during a difficult time,” Mastriano said. “The men and women who served in our country’s military deserve to be laid to rest with dignity and respect. I’m grateful this important measure is one step closer to becoming law.”
Senate Bill 130 would require licensed funeral directors, funeral parlors or cemetery companies to provide notification of a deceased service person to counties within 96 hours of receiving their remains. It would also require these entities to provide the family of the deceased service person with contact information for the county veterans affairs director.
VA burial benefits can help plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery or a private cemetery. Memorial items can also be ordered to honor the service of a veteran.
The measure now advances to the governor’s desk, the final step before it becomes law.