NY A01664

Amends the veterans' services law to allow an "agent in control of the disposition of remains" (person responsible for a deceased veteran's remains) to request burial in a veterans' cemetery if they have knowledge of the veteran's desire and can provide evidence of military service.

Modifies the public health law to remove a requirement that a close friend or relative acting as agent in control of remains must execute a written statement before being authorized to make disposition decisions.

Expands who can authorize veteran burial requests to include close friends or relatives reasonably familiar with the decedent's wishes when no higher-priority persons on the succession list are available, willing, or competent to act.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment, or on the same date as chapter 56 of the 2022 laws if that provision has not yet taken effect.