Additional funeral expenses for veterans advanced

More veterans’ funeral expenses would be covered by a bill advanced from general file Feb. 5.

LB305, introduced by Scribner Sen. David Schnoor, would add transportation costs to the list of veterans’ funeral expenses furnished by the director of veterans’ affairs. Currently, food, shelter, fuel, apparel and medical or surgical aid are provided to veterans, their families and recognized veteran representatives to cover funeral expenses.

To be eligible for the benefits, the veteran must have served on active duty, been discharged under honorable or general conditions, died while in or as a direct result of service, or have been a U.S. citizen at the time of enlistment and served with an ally of the United States.

Schnoor said the bill would give additional assistance to military families in their time of need. The expansion would cover local transportation costs and money needed to make repairs to vehicles.

A Judiciary Committee amendment, adopted 31-0, added an emergency clause to the bill, which would allow the bill to take effect immediately after the governor signs it.

The bill advanced on a 34-0 vote.