NY S05530

Adds a new section 27-a to the Veterans' Services Law defining "agent in control of the disposition of remains" as the person responsible for controlling a deceased veteran's remains who has knowledge of the veteran's desire for burial in a veterans' cemetery.

Permits any agent in control of a deceased veteran's remains to request burial in a veterans' cemetery, notwithstanding any conflicting local law, rule, or regulation.

Amends Public Health Law section 4201 to clarify that a close friend or relative reasonably familiar with a decedent's wishes may serve as the agent in control of remains for burial decisions, removing a previous requirement for a written statement.

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