Georgia expands burial eligibility for National Guard and Reservists in state cemeteries

Georgia's Senate Committee on Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security has taken a significant step to honor service members by expanding burial eligibility in state military cemeteries. During a meeting on March 19, 2025, the committee discussed a bill that will allow National Guard and Reservists, who may not currently receive VA disability benefits or have retired, to be buried in these cemeteries.

The bill aims to correct previous eligibility restrictions that limited burial rights primarily to those who had retired or were drawing VA benefits. This change is expected to send a strong message of respect and recognition to all service members who have pledged their commitment to the nation, regardless of their current status.

The committee acknowledged that while the overall number of individuals affected may be small, the impact on families and the message it conveys about Georgia's commitment to its veterans is substantial. The proposed legislation is designed to align Georgia with other states that have already made similar adjustments to their burial policies.

A fee of approximately $750 will be required from the service member's family for burial services, which will contribute to the operational funding of the Department of Veterans Services. This fee is tied to the VA reimbursement rate and is intended to cover the costs associated with the burial process.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding the potential retroactive application of the bill, which could allow families to relocate the remains of veterans buried elsewhere. However, it was clarified that any such relocation would incur costs, which may mitigate the strain on cemetery resources.

In addition to the legislative changes, the committee discussed the importance of maintaining uniformity in headstone provision, ensuring that the same vendor used for active duty members will also supply headstones for the newly eligible individuals.

As the bill moves forward, it represents a meaningful acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by all service members in Georgia, reinforcing the state's commitment to honoring their service and ensuring they receive the respect they deserve in life and death.