Dauphin News

On December 30, 2024, a legislative initiative led by Representative Sheryl M. Delozier from Cumberland County took effect. This new measure addresses a discrepancy within the Department of Health to ensure that veterans and their spouses receive the fee waiver for death certificates to which they are entitled.

Previously, only military personnel who were actively serving or honorably discharged were eligible for these waivers. The scope has now been broadened to include those with general military discharge classifications. Act 137 of 2024 also extends this benefit to spouses or widows and widowers of service members or veterans. The waiver can be applied when requesting documents for oneself, a spouse, or dependent children.

"Pennsylvania ranks among the top five states with the highest population of veterans," said Delozier. "Cumberland County alone is home to about 17,000 vets. It is critical they, as well as their families, receive the benefits they’re entitled to."

Delozier emphasized her belief in recognizing both military personnel and their families' service: "I believe when military personnel serve, their families serve as well, and our veterans and their spouses deserve the benefit of having fees waived for official government documentation." She expressed pride in the collaborative effort that led to this legislative change.

"I am grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support of my contribution to this law," she added. "The changes put forward in Act 137 have taken effect to benefit vets across our Commonwealth."

For further information on this legislation or other state-related issues, inquiries can be directed to Representative Delozier’s office at 717-761-4665.