March 31, 1997

BILL ANALYSIS

TO:       Members, Committee on Trade and Economic Development

FROM:     Kenny Pittman, Research Analyst  (786-7392)

RE:       SB 5736 - Increasing county burial costs for indigent deceased veterans.

BACKGROUND:

Each county legislative authority must inter at the expense of the county any honorably discharged veterans and the wives, husbands, minor children, widows or widowers of these veterans who are indigent.  The interment cost may not cost more than $300.  This sum may also be paid to relatives or friends who conduct a burial for the indigent veteran or their family members who  are indigent.

Counties are authorized to levy property taxes of not less than 1-1/8 cents per $1,000 or more than 27 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.  The monies must be used to provide relief for indigent veterans, families of veterans, and families of deceased  veterans.

SUMMARY:

The internment costs of honorably discharged indigent veterans and the wives, husbands, minor children, widows or widowers of these veterans who are indigent is increased from an amount not more than $300 to not less than $300.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.