BILL REQ. #:  Z-0372.1 

Read first time 01/09/2007.   Referred to Committee on Government Operations & Elections.

     AN ACT Relating to establishing the eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery; adding a new section to chapter 72.36 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes the unique sacrifices made by veterans and their family members. The legislature recognizes further that while all veterans are entitled to interment at the Tahoma national cemetery, veterans and families living in eastern Washington desire a veterans' cemetery location closer to their homes. The legislature requested and received the department of veterans affairs feasibility study and business plan outlining the need and feasibility and now intends to establish a state veterans' cemetery to honor veterans in their final resting place.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 72.36 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The department shall establish and maintain in this state an eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.
     (2) All honorably discharged veterans, as defined by RCW 41.04.007, and their spouses are eligible for interment in the eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.
     (3) The department shall collect all federal veterans' burial benefits and other available state or county resources.
     (4) The department shall adopt rules defining the services available, eligibility, fees, and the general operations associated with the eastern Washington state veterans' cemetery.