Additional funeral expenses for veterans passed

Lawmakers passed a bill Feb. 27 that expands the costs covered for veterans’ funerals.

LB305, introduced by Scribner Sen. David Schnoor, adds 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.

The bill passed with an emergency clause on a 47-0 vote.