II 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3069 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 25, 2006 Mr. Dodd (for himself, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Conrad, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, to modify the furnishing of government markers for graves of veterans at private cemeteries, and for other purposes.

1.

Modification of authorities on provision of government markers for burials of veterans at private cemeteries

(a)

Repeal of Expiration of Authority

Subsection (d) of section 2306 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (3). (b)

Provision of Headstone or Marker

(1)

In general

Such subsection (d) is further amended— (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in the first sentence, by striking Government marker and inserting Government headstone or marker; and (ii)in the second sentence, by inserting headstone or before marker each place it appears; and (B)in paragraph (2), by inserting headstone or before marker. (2)

Conforming amendment

Subsection (g)(3) of such section is amended by inserting headstone or before marker. (c)

Placement of Headstone or Marker

The second sentence of paragraph (1) of such subsection (d), as amended by subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) of this section, is further amended by inserting before the period the following: , or, if placement on the grave is impossible or impracticable, as close as possible to the grave within the grounds of the cemetery in which the grave is located. (d)

Delivery of Headstone or Marker

Paragraph (2) of such subsection (d), as amended by subsection (b)(1)(B) of this section, is further amended by inserting before the period the following: or to a receiving agent for delivery to the cemetery. (e)

Repeal of Obsolete Report Requirement

Such subsection (d) is further amended by striking paragraph (4). (f)

Scope of Headstones and Markers Furnished

Such subsection (d) is further amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3): (3)In furnishing headstones and markers under this subsection, the Secretary shall permit the individual making the request for a headstone or marker to select among any headstone or marker in the complete product line of Government headstones and markers. . (g)

Retroactive Effective Date

Notwithstanding subsection (d) of section 502 of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107–103; 115 State 976), the amendments made to section 2306(d) of title 38, United States Code, by such section 502 and subsections (a) through (e) of this section shall take effect as of November 1, 1990, and shall apply with respect to the graves of individuals dying on or after that date.