Dauphin News

On December 30, 2024, a legislative initiative proposed by Representative Sheryl M. Delozier from Cumberland County took effect. This initiative addresses a discrepancy in the Department of Health's regulations to ensure that veterans and their spouses receive a waiver for Vital Statistics fees related to death certificates.

The new law, known as Act 137 of 2024, expands eligibility for fee waivers. Previously, these waivers were limited to military personnel who were either actively serving or had been honorably discharged. The updated legislation now includes those with general military discharge classifications. It also extends benefits to the spouses or widows/widowers of service members or veterans, allowing them to apply the fee waiver for themselves, their spouse, and dependent children.

"Pennsylvania ranks among the top five states with the highest population of veterans. 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," stated Delozier. "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."

Delozier expressed her gratitude towards her colleagues for their unanimous support: “I am grateful to my colleagues for their unanimous, bipartisan support of my contribution to this law, and our collaboration to support our Pennsylvania heroes who made the decision to serve.”

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