NY A07932

Adds new section 368-A to executive law defining an "agent in control of the disposition of remains" as a person authorized to control a deceased veteran's remains who knows of the veteran's desire for burial in a veterans' cemetery and can provide evidence of military service.

Allows any agent in control of a deceased veteran's remains to request burial in a state veterans' cemetery, regardless of local law, rule, or regulation.

Amends Public Health Law section 4201 to permit a close friend or relative reasonably familiar with the decedent's wishes to control disposition of remains when no higher-priority person on the succession list is reasonably available, willing, or competent to act.

Removes the requirement that such close friend or relative execute a written statement to be authorized to control disposition of remains.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.