Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA §508 is enacted to read:

§508.__Veterans' obituaries and flags

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Eligible veteran" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, was honorably discharged and was a resident of this State at the time of death.

2.__Obituary and flag.__The department shall make payment for the entire cost of the obituary for an eligible veteran to whomever paid for this notice.__The department shall also provide a state flag on behalf of the deceased eligible veteran.

Sec. 2. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

2001-02 2002-03

DEFENSE, VETERANS AND

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT,

DEPARTMENT OF

Veterans Services

All Other $126,000 $168,000

Appropriates funds to cover the cost of the obituary and a state flag for each veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States, was honorably discharged and was a resident of this State at the time of death.

SUMMARY

The purpose of this bill is to provide for the cost of the obituary notices and state flags on behalf of deceased eligible veterans.