A Senate committee approved an amendment to Senate Bill 2265 that adds language requiring final approval of a veterans cemetery project plan and authorization to begin construction, and replaces a reference to a "chapel" with a "welcome center," lawmakers said.

The amendment, identified in committee as Amendment 25.0992.030 and presented by Senator Meyer, was described as a response to concerns from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that the VA reviews applications but does not perform project planning. The amendment struck four words and added language specifying "final approval of the project plan and authorization to begin construction," committee members said.

"The VA came back and said they had an issue with planning and oversight for it," Senator Meyer said. "The VA isn't doing any of the planning. They're just approving the application or the proffer of this cemetery." He told the committee the amendment adds the VA's final-approval language.

Representative Rohrer asked who is responsible for planning. "So who does the planning then? Who doesn't?" Rohrer asked. Senator Meyer replied that a nonprofit prepares and submits the application, including architect designs, and that the nonprofit is responsible for the planning that accompanies the application.

Senator Meyer also said the change from "chapel" to "welcome center" was made in the House to reflect that the building would include restrooms, office space and a gallery in addition to ceremonial space.

The committee moved to amend "in place of the House amendments adopted by the House, the bill is amended by the conference committee amendments as discussed." The motion was moved by Senator Meyer and seconded by Senator Makram. On roll call the committee recorded affirmative votes from Senator Clary, Senator Meyer, Senator Makram, Representative Brown, Representative Greenberg and Representative Roehr; the motion passed.

Committee staff then arranged to designate carriers for the measure; Senator Meyer and Representative Brown were identified to carry the bill forward. The committee adjourned after the action was recorded.