1. A. For the purpose of this section:

   "Veteran" means a decedent who is eligible to receive a military funeral honors ceremony pursuant to the federal National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000, P.L. 106-65.

   "Veteran service organization" means (i) an association, corporation, or other entity that aids and serves veterans, servicemembers, and dependents and is a § 501(c)(19) organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 501(a); (ii) a federally chartered veterans' service corporation; or (iii) a veterans' affairs office or agency established by state law.

2. B. The Department shall establish the Honor Guard Grant Program (the Program) for the purpose of providing grants to veteran service organizations to offset expenses incurred by the organizations and members of the organizations' honor guards in providing honor guard burial details at the funerals of veterans in the Commonwealth, including expenses for training, transportation, food, equipment, and supplies. The Department shall establish guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria for the award and distribution of grants by the Program. Subject to the availability of funds, the Department shall award and distribute grants each fiscal year to veteran service organizations.

2026, c. 65.