Committee approves resolution affirming support for Gold Star families

House Concurrent Resolution 2010, which expresses the legislature’s support for Gold Star families and urges public and private entities to protect and preserve the term, received a due-pass recommendation from the Senate Military Affairs and Border Security Committee on March 7.

The sponsor said the resolution is "a simple bill" that maintains recognition and tradition for Gold Star families, which the sponsor noted were established during World War I and represent families of those killed in combat. The sponsor said the resolution does not diminish other categories of loss, noting suicides and accidents occur and that Gold Star recognition is a long-standing tradition deserving of respect.

There were no recorded questions in the excerpt provided. The committee voted on a motion to give HCR 2010 a due-pass recommendation; the clerk announced "6 ayes, 0 nays, 1 not vote," and the committee gave the resolution a due-pass recommendation.

The resolution is ceremonial and declarative; it does not create new benefits or statutory obligations. The sponsor noted Gold Star families exist in every legislative district and said the resolution was intended to "preserve and oppose any efforts to change or redefine the term Gold Star families." The record provided does not include further submissions, fiscal analysis or suggested implementing actions.