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MarylandSB 00462026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Veterans' Cemeteries - Interment

Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)

Signed by Governor

State Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsBusiness RegulationHealth OccupationsCemeteriesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Prices -see also- Consumer Price IndexVeterans and Military Families, Department ofVeterans

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Free plots and markers for veterans

Beginning October 1, 2026, the state provides a free interment location in a State veterans’ cemetery to veterans who meet national cemetery rules and to their eligible spouse or dependent. Qualified reserve members may also get a location if they lived in Maryland at entry, at death, or for two years, unless the Department waives this for a compelling reason. For qualified reserve members and their eligible family, the Department may charge a one‑time fee equal to the National Cemetery Administration’s annual interment location allowance. With each location, the Department supplies an outer burial receptacle or columbarium niche and a marker at no charge to the veteran or the veteran’s eligible spouse or dependent.

Faster help for unclaimed veteran remains

Beginning October 1, 2026, funeral homes and crematories must share identifying details with a veterans service group when cremated or hydrolyzed remains go unclaimed for 90 days. If a natural organic reduction starts, the reduction facility must send identifying details within 5 business days. The veterans service group must reply within 45 days to confirm veteran status and cemetery eligibility. If the group does not pick up eligible remains within 10 days after notice, the provider must notify the Department of Veterans and Military Families and transfer the remains to the Department.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 495

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (135-0)

    4/13/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/10/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Government, Labor, and Elections

    4/10/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  7. Referred Government, Labor, and Elections

    2/18/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    2/17/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/11/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments Adopted

    2/11/2026Senate

  11. Floor Amendment {353628/1 (Senator Simonaire) Adopted

    2/11/2026Senate

  12. Motion Laid Over (Senator Jennings) Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  13. Floor Amendment {353628/1 (Senator Simonaire)

    2/10/2026Senate

  14. Favorable Adopted

    2/10/2026Senate

  15. Favorable Report by Finance

    2/9/2026Senate

  16. Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.

    1/20/2026Senate

  17. First Reading Finance

    1/14/2026Senate

  18. Pre-filed

    8/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/11/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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