Funeral Establishments, Crematories, and Reduction Facilities - Disposition of Unclaimed Remains - Veterans

SB 57 requires licensed funeral homes, crematories, and natural organic reduction facilities to notify veterans service organizations if a veteran’s or eligible dependent’s cremated remains or soil remains (from natural reduction) go unclaimed for 90 days. The veterans service organization must then verify eligibility for a veterans cemetery burial within 45 days. If the organization does not take possession within 10 days of verification, the facility must transfer the remains to Maryland’s Department of Veterans and Military Families for proper disposition. This bill directly affects funeral/cemetery operators, veterans service organizations, and the state department handling unclaimed remains of veterans.