S.2309

Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act

Introduced·7/16/25

Directs VA physicians or nurse practitioners to certify veteran deaths within 48 hours, with coroners or medical examiners stepping in if needed.

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act aims to address delays in signing death certificates for veterans, which can prevent timely burials and access to survivor benefits. It mandates that VA physicians or nurse practitioners certify the death of a veteran within 48 hours of learning about it. If they cannot do so, a coroner or medical examiner in the jurisdiction where the death occurred may certify the death. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report annually on compliance with this requirement.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Mar 18

4:00 PM

Senate Veterans' Affairs Hearing

Dec 10, 2025

4:00 PM

Senate Veterans' Affairs Hearing

History

Mar 18

Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Dec 10, 2025

Senate

Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-247.

Jul 16, 2025

Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.