Newhouse bill to assist with funeral expenses for state’s fallen heroes is approved by Senate

The full Senate approved Senate Bill 567 on Thursday to establish the Oklahoma Homeland Security Revolving Fund, which would provide state aid for the funeral expenses of state military or law enforcement personnel who die in the line of duty.

“Our military, law enforcement and first responders know the risks they take each day when they show up to serve and protect our state and nation,” said author and former Navy pilot Sen. Joe Newhouse, R-Tulsa. “However, when these individuals give the ultimate sacrifice in direct response to state orders, the least we can do is honor their service by assisting with final expenses.”

The measure would provide up to $10,000 in funeral expense assistance to all members of the National Guard, police, state troopers, firefighters and first responders who die in the line of duty while in response to state orders, including natural disasters and civil disturbances.

“I appreciate my colleagues supporting this measure that will mean so much to the families of our fallen heroes,” Newhouse said. “I’m proud of our state for continuing to prioritize our military and law enforcement officers and their families that sacrifice so much for all of us.”

The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Rep. Dean Davis, R-Broken Arrow, is the House author.