Connecticut2026Passed Legislature

SB00282

Funding and Rules for Caring for Veterans' Graves

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 6:19 AM

In one sentence

This law gives money to towns to fix neglected veterans' graves and creates a way for people to report burial sites that are not being cared for.

Requires the leader of each city or town to appoint three veteran citizens annually to check on wartime veterans' graves.
Allows towns to pay for grave care if private owners do not, with costs limited to standard cemetery fees unless a grave has settled significantly into the ground.
Transfers $100,000 from the General Fund into a special account to help municipalities fix neglected cemeteries.
Creates an online form where anyone can report a veteran's grave that is not being cared for properly.
Requires state officials to notify town leaders within seven days after receiving a report about a neglected grave.

Cities and towns in Connecticut
Veterans who served during wartime periods before or after the American Revolution, including those from English colonies prior to 1776, Connecticut state forces, or U.S. armed forces.
The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
Cemetery trustees and managers

Towns cannot be sued for civil or criminal reasons if they try to fix up neglected cemeteries.
Money paid by towns usually cannot exceed normal yearly care fees unless a grave has settled into the ground significantly.
The law does not specify how much money each town will receive from the $100,000 fund.

Plain language

Neglected Cemetery Account: A special fund that holds money to help towns repair overgrown or broken-down burial grounds.
Chief Executive Authority: The main leader of a city or town, such as the mayor or head selectman.

Official record

Validated

To implement the recommendations of the working group established pursuant to special act 23-25 for the upkeep of veterans' graves.

Official activity