Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “SPC Christian Ward Act”.
SPC Christian Ward Act
A BILL
To amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary concerned to pursue a claim against an entity hired by the Secretary concerned to return the personal effects of a deceased member of the Armed Forces to the next of kin.
Sec. 2 Claims relating to the return of personal effects of a deceased member of the Armed Forces
Section 1482(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
“(11)
“(A) Delivery of personal effects of a decedent to the next of kin or other appropriate person.
“(B) If the Secretary concerned enters into an agreement with an entity to carry out subparagraph (A), the Secretary concerned shall pursue a claim against such entity that arises from the failure of such entity to carry out such subparagraph.
“(C) If an entity described in subparagraph (B) fails to carry out subparagraph (A) because of the loss or destruction of the personal effects of a decedent, the Secretary concerned shall reimburse the next of kin or other appropriate person the amount of the value of such personal effects.”