SB 396 Summary

• Amends 21 O.S. Section 1151 to create the Deceased Veterans Dignity Act, allowing service members to designate who handles funeral arrangements through DD Form 93 (Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data).

• Adds subsection C to Section 1151 establishing that persons authorized by deceased military members must bury or arrange disposition (including cremation) for those who die in combat zones or while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard.

• Creates the "Honor the Fallen Revolving Fund" in the State Treasury under the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to reimburse toll charges for funeral processions of Oklahoma residents killed in combat or who die of combat-related wounds.

• Increases criminal penalty from unspecified to a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000 for knowingly failing to follow a deceased service member's disposition directions.

• Effective date: November 1, 2011.