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Panel approves bill to give veterans one free certified birth certificate copy
Summary
Committee released A2355 to allow eligible veterans one free certified copy of their birth certificate; supporters said the small fee waiver would help older veterans assemble paperwork for wills and long‑term care.
The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on May 7 released A2355, a bill that would make eligible veterans entitled to one free certified copy of their birth certificate, with additional copies subject to the regular statutory fee.
Proponents, including Ken Hegeman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the one‑time waiver would simplify access to documents older veterans need when arranging wills, entering nursing homes or confirming benefits. "It only costs $25," Hegeman said when discussing the typical fee for a certified copy and arguing the fiscal impact on the state would be small.
Under the bill, a veteran means an individual discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable and includes certain World War II merchant mariners declared eligible for federal veterans benefits by the U.S. Department of Defense. The committee heard no testimony opposing the measure.
A committee member moved and the panel took a roll call; the clerk recorded six yes votes and the bill was released from committee for further legislative action.
