Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3821: An Act relative to a Veterans' Hall of Fame Commission

HD 3731 creates a 11-member Veterans' Hall of Fame Commission to study the feasibility of establishing a state veterans' hall of fame in Massachusetts. The commission, including legislative leaders, veterans' committee chairs, military and veterans' services officials, and two veteran appointees, will analyze costs, nomination criteria, and methods for inducting Massachusetts veterans. It must submit its findings and recommendations to both legislative chambers by December 31, 2026. The bill does not create the hall itself but directs the commission to evaluate the proposal.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates commission to investigate establishing Veterans' Hall of Fame, directly recognizing veteran service (support indicator).90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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signed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 3388: An Act designating veterans suicide awareness and remembrance day

This bill designates September 22nd as "Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day" in Massachusetts. It requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing suicide among veterans as a serious issue, fostering awareness, and calling for prevention measures to support veterans and their families. The law directly affects veterans, their families, and the Commonwealth through official state recognition of this day. The key mechanism is the governor's annual proclamation, urging public observance to honor service members and address veteran suicide.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates September 22 as veterans suicide awareness day, recognizing service and promoting mental health support through annual proclamation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

passed both · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 17, 2026

S 1948: An Act relative to veteran property tax work-off

This bill (S 1948) creates a program allowing veterans who own property in Massachusetts to reduce their property tax bills by performing community service. It directly affects eligible veterans with property tax obligations, enabling them to earn tax credits through volunteer work instead of paying the full amount. The key provision establishes a system where veterans can complete approved service hours to offset their annual property tax liability. The bill focuses on providing a practical alternative for veterans facing financial strain from property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for veterans by allowing property tax reduction through community service hours, directly lowering tax burden without increasing government spending.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides property tax relief for veterans via community service hours, expanding financial benefits and recognizing veteran service directly.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 2264: An Act relative to free parking for veterans

This bill (HD 611) modifies Massachusetts parking laws to prevent cities and towns from charging fees or imposing penalties on veterans who display special veteran license plates. It amends sections of Chapter 40 and Chapter 90 to explicitly state that no penalty, fee, or violation fine may be applied for parking longer than permitted or for parking in general when a veteran's vehicle shows these designated plates. The law applies to all municipalities in Massachusetts, including Boston and Cambridge, and directly affects veterans who already hold the distinctive number plates authorized under Chapter 90, Section 2. It does not create new parking benefits but removes existing penalties for eligible veterans using their designated plates.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides free parking for veterans, expanding a tangible benefit and recognizing service per title/summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 1828: An Act relative to veterans' buyback

This bill allows veterans who missed the standard 180-day deadline to purchase military service time for retirement benefits to apply for a one-time opportunity to make that purchase. It directly affects veterans who failed to complete the retirement buyback within the required timeframe. The key provision replaces the strict 180-day rule with a single application window through the retirement system, enabling eligible veterans to retroactively count their service toward retirement credits. The change provides a concrete administrative adjustment without altering broader retirement eligibility rules.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows veterans to retroactively count service time for retirement benefits, expanding access to existing benefits for those who missed deadlines.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 609: An Act ensuring the fair treatment of military service members and veterans

This bill creates a new "veteran employment and reemployment rights division" within the state inspector general's office to assist military service members and veterans facing workplace issues after service. The division will employ intake officers, investigators, and mediators to handle disputes related to employment or reemployment rights under federal law (USERRA). Key mechanisms include gathering evidence from veterans and employers, investigating potential violations, and offering mediation to resolve conflicts before referring unresolved cases to the attorney general. It directly affects service members and veterans encountering employment challenges due to military service, providing a dedicated state resource to enforce their federal protections.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates state division to enforce USERRA protections for veterans' employment rights, directly advancing workplace rights for a specific worker group95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates new division to assist veterans with employment rights under USERRA, directly strengthening reemployment protections and support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4580: Resolutions Honoring and Recognizing the Victims of Agent Orange

This non-binding resolution (HD 4580) honors Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the conflict. It recognizes these veterans as victims of the herbicide's health impacts - such as cancer, genetic damage, and related illnesses - without providing new benefits or changing existing policies. The resolution specifically notes that these veterans are not officially counted as war fatalities, unlike those who died in combat. It aims to formally acknowledge their sacrifices and health struggles through legislative recognition.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes veterans' sacrifices and health impacts from Agent Orange, aligning with 'recognizes veteran service' support indicator, though non-binding.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

H 3235: An Act relative to tax relief for low-income seniors and veterans

This bill amends Massachusetts law to provide vehicle tax relief for low-income seniors and veterans. It exempts from the motor vehicle excise tax one personal vehicle owned or leased by: (1) residents over 65 with annual income at or below the federal poverty guideline, or (2) veterans (as defined in Chapter 4) with income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. Once approved by local assessors, the exemption requires no further proof of eligibility in subsequent years, though it may be revoked if eligibility is later found to have been misrepresented. The policy directly affects qualifying seniors and veterans who own or lease a single personal vehicle.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for low-income seniors/veterans, directly reducing tax burden on targeted groups under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly provides tax relief for low-income veterans, advancing financial support through tax policy.95% confidence

Tags Seniors

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 6, 2026

S 1988: An Act relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1988) of Ryan C. Fattman, Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Steven George Xiarhos and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax relief for disabled veterans, reducing their tax burden under taxation policies95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans, directly expanding their financial benefits and reducing tax burdens.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3841: An Act relative to veterans benefits

HD 3566 ensures that increases in state veterans' benefits are not counted as income when determining eligibility for public housing or other public assistance programs. It directly affects veterans receiving state veterans benefits who also apply for public housing, food assistance, or similar support. The bill amends state law to exclude any increase in veterans' benefits from income calculations used by public assistance programs. This prevents veterans from losing access to essential support due to higher veterans' benefits, maintaining their eligibility without requiring them to reduce their veterans' aid.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill adjusts benefit calculation for veterans receiving public housing/public assistance, implying improved access to existing benefits rather than reduction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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