The Pennsylvania Senate has given unanimous approval to a bill aimed at assisting families of deceased veterans in accessing burial benefits. The legislation, introduced by Senator Doug Mastriano, seeks to ensure that families are informed about the benefits available to them.
Senate Bill 130 mandates that licensed funeral directors, funeral entities, or cemetery companies notify the county veterans affairs director when a serviceperson with legal residence in the county passes away. Additionally, these entities must provide the decedent’s family with contact information for the county veterans affairs director. This official can then guide them through the process of accessing available benefits.
“Families often aren’t even aware of benefits their veteran earned, so they unnecessarily place too great of a burden on themselves,” stated Mastriano. “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 emphasized the importance of delivering burial benefits as part of honoring those who have served. The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
For more information, contact Don Beishl at 717-787-6701.
