Sec. 1. 37-B MRSA §504, sub-§4, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 455, §23, is further amended to read:

B. The director must allow the earth burial in the cemetery of any eligible veteran who requests burial in the cemetery. The director must allow the veteran the option of crypt burial if crypt space exists. All burials must be without charge, except private burial services as provided under paragraph G.

Sec. 2. 37-B MRSA §504, sub-§4, ¶C, as amended by PL 1997, c. 455, §24, is further amended to read:

C. At the dependent's request, the director must allow an eligible dependent of a veteran to be buried in the cemetery if, at the date of the dependent's death, the veteran would be eligible for burial. Dependents may be buried in the earth or placed in a crypt adjacent to the veteran without charge, provided that:

(1) If the veteran dies first, the dependents specify in writing their intention to be so buried;

(2) If the dependent dies first, the veteran specifies in writing the intention to be buried in the cemetery; or

(3) Eligible family members of members of the armed services or veterans who are permanently buried overseas, buried at sea, missing in action and declared dead, or whose bodies are inaccessible for other reasons, may be buried in this cemetery, provided that the deceased member of the armed services or veteran was eligible for the burial at the time of death.; or

(4)__Accelerated private burial services are allowed only as provided in paragraph G.

Sec. 3. 37-B MRSA §504, sub-§4, ¶G is enacted to read:

G.__In consideration of family, religious or other reasonable requirements for a speedy burial in the cemetery, private burial services for eligible veterans or eligible dependents are allowed, provided that the costs of the private services are not borne by the State.