HARRISBURG – The Senate unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today to connect the families of deceased veterans with available burial benefits.
Senate Bill 130 would require licensed funeral directors, funeral entities or cemetery companies to notify the county veterans affairs director of a deceased serviceperson having legal residence in the county.
They would also be required to provide the decedent’s family with contact information for the county veterans affairs director, who can guide them through available benefits.
“Families often aren’t even aware of benefits their veteran earned, so they unnecessarily place too great of a burden on themselves. My bill would help them as they go through some of their most difficult times by connecting them with someone who is familiar with available benefits,” Mastriano said. “Delivering burial benefits is an important part of honoring the men and women who sacrificed so much.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Don Beishl, 717-787-6701