MarylandMaryland law shields good-faith handling of unclaimed veteran remains
Starting October 1, 2026, operators and veterans groups handling unclaimed remains of a veteran or eligible dependent gain civil-liability protection if they act in good faith.
What it does
Registered reduction operators and veterans service organizations receive civil-liability protection for good-faith transfers or receipts of unclaimed hydrolyzed or soil remains for disposition.
Argument forOperators and veterans groups could find it easier to arrange disposition of unclaimed veteran remains without fear of civil claims when they act in good faith.
Argument againstPeople who question how unclaimed remains were handled might have fewer ways to seek civil damages when an operator or veterans group acted in good faith.
More detail
Starting October 1, 2026, the law protects registered reduction operators and veterans service organizations from civil liability for specified transfers and receipts. The protection covers unclaimed hydrolyzed or soil remains of a veteran or an eligible dependent of a veteran. The operator or organization must act in good faith. The transfer or receipt must be for disposition under the cited state laws. The protection takes effect October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 26Approved by the Governor Wes Moore - Chapter 693Became Law
- Apr 8Returned Passed
- Apr 7Third Reading PassedPassed House
- Apr 3Favorable Adopted Second Reading PassedMinor
- Apr 3Favorable Report by HealthMinor
- Mar 20Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 20Referred HealthMinor
- Mar 19Third Reading PassedPassed Senate
- Mar 18Second Reading Passed
- Mar 18Favorable AdoptedMinor
- Mar 16Favorable Report by Judicial ProceedingsMinor
- Mar 3
- Vote recorded On Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 17Hearing 1/29 at 3:00 p.m.
- Jan 16Reassigned to Judicial Proceedings
- Jan 14First Reading Education, Energy, and the EnvironmentMinor
- 2025
- Jun 2Pre-filedIntroduced
Veterans