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KentuckyHB 1912025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to interment at state veterans' cemeteries.

Sponsored By: Aaron Thompson (Republican)

Signed by Governor

DeathsEffective Dates, EmergencyMilitary Affairs and Civil DefenseVeteransCemeteries and Burials

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

More families qualify for Kentucky veterans’ cemeteries

Beginning January 1, 2026, people eligible for national veterans’ cemetery burial also qualify for Kentucky state veterans’ cemeteries. Reserve members, including Army and Air National Guard members, also qualify through either of two paths. They must complete the federally required initial service period and receive a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Alternatively, they qualify if they died on state active duty or while serving under Title 32. For members qualifying through these added paths, federal law governs burial eligibility for their spouses, surviving spouses, minor children, and dependent incapacitated children. The Kentucky Department of Veterans’ Affairs manages the cemeteries and must provide burial services under 38 U.S.C. §§ 2404 and 2408. It can issue operating rules consistent with state and federal law. It can also seek federal and private funding to build, renovate, and operate the cemeteries.

Capital convictions bar Kentucky veterans’ cemetery burial

Beginning January 1, 2026, anyone convicted of a state or federal capital offense cannot be buried in a Kentucky state veterans’ cemetery. This ban applies even when the person otherwise meets burial eligibility rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Aaron Thompson

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Moore

    Democrat • House

  • Bill Wesley

    Republican • House

  • Chad Aull

    Democrat • House

  • Daniel Grossberg

    Democrat • House

  • David Hale

    Republican • House

  • Mark Hart

    Republican • House

  • Steve Bratcher

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 125 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/7/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 32 • No: 0

House vote • 2/14/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 93 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 20)

    3/15/2025

  2. delivered to Governor

    3/7/2025

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    3/7/2025House

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    3/7/2025House

  5. received in House

    3/7/2025House

  6. 3rd reading, passed 32-0

    3/7/2025Senate

  7. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 07, 2025

    3/5/2025Senate

  8. 2nd reading, to Rules

    2/28/2025Senate

  9. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

    2/27/2025Senate

  10. to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (S)

    2/20/2025Senate

  11. to Committee on Committees (S)

    2/18/2025Senate

  12. received in Senate

    2/18/2025Senate

  13. 3rd reading, passed 93-0 with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

    2/14/2025House

  14. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, February 13, 2025

    2/12/2025House

  15. 2nd reading, to Rules

    2/12/2025House

  16. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

    2/11/2025House

  17. to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)

    2/4/2025House

  18. to Committee on Committees (H)

    1/9/2025House

  19. introduced in House

    1/9/2025House

Bill Text

  • Current

    2/14/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/9/2025

    PDF

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