New legislation that will help to identify unclaimed cremated remains of military veterans and outline the disposition of those cremains in a state or national military cemetery was filed in the Alabama House today.

State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham), a 21-year veteran of the Army, introduced House Bill 129 and explained why he believes it’s important.

“The men and women who serve in our nation’s military deserve our appreciation and respect both during their lives and after they pass,” Paschal, who serves as vice chair of the House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee said. “The fact that cremated remains go unclaimed must not prevent a military veteran from receiving the honor, celebration, and interment they earned by serving their nation and wearing its uniform.”

Specifically, the legislation will complement state laws by defining the “dignified and humane manner” in which remains must be handled and specify the best method for identifying the unclaimed cremated remains of Alabama veterans who are eligible for burial in a state or national military cemetery.

Also, according to the bill, funeral homes would be authorized to disclose identifying information to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, a veterans service organization, or an approved non-profit entity.

Around 400,000 veterans live in Alabama and there are four state-operated veterans homes: Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City, the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville, the William F. Green State Veterans Home in Bay Minette, and the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City. There are six veterans cemeteries across Alabama.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.