Unclaimed military medal bill discussed

The Government, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee heard testimony Feb. 15 on a bill meant to address the handling of unclaimed military medals.

Under LB819 as introduced, any unclaimed military medal, decoration or award removed from a safe deposit or collateral deposit box in Nebraska would be delivered to the state treasurer’s office.

Bellevue Sen. Scott Price, sponsor of bill, said his great-uncle’s World War II medals nearly ended up in a landfill following his death.

“To think that that could happen is why I’m bringing the bill to you today,” he said. “These artifacts have an intrinsic value much greater than the materials they are made of.”

Price said he would offer an amendment to allow the treasurer’s office to make a veteran’s organization or other entity the custodian of any unclaimed medals after 10 years.

Greg Holloway, representing the Disabled American Veterans and the Nebraska Veteran’s Council, supported the bill.

“There are many veteran’s organizations … within the state that would be more than glad to be the stewards for these awards and decorations,” he said.

Jerry Stilmock of the Nebraska Bankers Association also testified in support of the bill, saying service medals are unique property.

“[This bill] allows us to recognize the special nature of those medals and preserve them,” he said.

No one testified in opposition and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.