Committee approves higher payer limit for indigent veterans' burials (Senate File 11)

The Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee voted to approve Senate File 11, a measure to clarify eligibility and raise the reimbursement for indigent veterans’ burials by $500 to account for transportation costs.

Tim Sheppard, executive director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission, said the bill addresses statutory language that previously raised questions about whether only combat veterans qualified for indigent burial reimbursement; in practice counties and the Department of Family Services have been providing services, but the bill clarifies eligibility and increases the reimbursement cap. Adjutant General Mitchell 'Greg' Porter said the Senate amendment added $500 to better cover transportation.

Supporters from counties and veterans said the program works today and the bill cleans up language and funding levels. Bill Winnie, a Sublette County resident and Navy veteran, urged support, calling the program an important way for the state to honor veterans in need. Jeremiah Grama of the County Commissioners Association confirmed counties administer the program under DFS direction and expressed support for the clean statutory language and funding adjustment.

Vote: The clerk reported the committee vote as 7 ayes, 1 excused and 1 absent; Chairman Brown asked who would carry the bill to the floor and the committee adjourned.

Next steps: Sponsor and committee indicated the bill will be carried to the floor by a committee member and that counties and DFS will continue to administer reimbursements under clarified statute.