Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3863: An Act relative to COLA adjustments for veteran benefits

This bill (HD 3416) requires that all veteran benefits paid under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, be adjusted annually to match the state's average cost-of-living increase. It directly affects veterans receiving benefits under this section by ensuring their payments rise each year with inflation. The key mechanism is an automatic annual adjustment tied to the Commonwealth's official cost-of-living measure. This change updates existing benefit payments without creating new programs or eligibility requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill proposes COLA adjustments for veteran benefits to maintain purchasing power, directly protecting benefit value against inflation per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3883: An Act relative to disability benefits for veterans

This bill changes when veterans' disability benefits begin. It sets the effective date to the day after a veteran's discharge if they apply within one year of leaving service. This directly affects veterans who file for disability compensation soon after their military separation, ensuring they receive benefits starting immediately after discharge rather than from the application date. The key mechanism is modifying the timing rule in existing law to provide faster access to benefits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill specifically addresses disability benefits for veterans, directly advancing veterans' benefits under the topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 2073: An Act relative to veterans tax exemptions

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2073) of Michael F. Rush, Paul McMurtry and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation relative to veterans tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemptions for veterans, reducing their tax burden under Revenue, aligning with tax relief indicators for targeted groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes tax exemptions for veterans, directly providing financial benefits and strengthening veteran support through tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3820: An Act relative to eligibility of non-Massachusetts origin veterans for state veteran bonus awards

This bill updates Massachusetts veteran bonus eligibility for veterans who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991). It expands eligibility to veterans who moved to Massachusetts after their service by allowing either 6 months of residency before entering service or 10 years of residency after discharge. Qualifying veterans receive $500 for Persian Gulf service with the Southwest Asia Service Medal, or $300 for other qualifying National Guard/Reserve service during the same period. The changes apply specifically to veterans who served during those operations and meet the revised residency requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands state veteran bonus eligibility to non-Massachusetts veterans, increasing access to benefits and aligning with veteran recognition policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 22, 2026

H 3131: An Act incentivizing veterans to reside in the Commonwealth

This bill changes a residency requirement for veterans seeking state benefits. It reduces the required continuous residency period from 5 years to 1 year. This directly affects veterans who want to qualify for specific Commonwealth benefits, making it easier for them to become eligible. The key provision is the amendment to the General Laws, shortening the qualifying time frame for veterans to access these benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill modifies residency requirements for veteran property tax exemptions, providing tax relief and directly impacting state revenue management through tax policy.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransRemoves residency barrier for veterans' property tax exemption, expanding access to existing benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 2070: An Act relative to veteran tax abatements

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2070) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to veteran tax abatements. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax abatement (relief) for veterans, directly addressing taxation policy and reducing tax burden per Revenue focus.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides tax abatement (reduced taxes) for veterans, directly expanding financial benefits as a form of state-level support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3856: An Act relative to increasing the reimbursement of burial expenses for veterans

This bill increases state reimbursement amounts for veterans' burial expenses under Chapter 115 of the General Laws. It raises the maximum reimbursement from $4,000 to $7,000 for one category and from $5,000 to $8,000 for another category of burial costs. The change directly affects veterans or their families seeking state-funded burial expense reimbursements. The policy modifies specific dollar figures in existing law without altering eligibility criteria or creating new requirements.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly increases reimbursement for veterans' burial expenses, directly expanding benefits and strengthening veteran support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3837: An Act to enhance opportunities for veterans at the Massachusetts Port Authority

This bill requires the Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort) to create hiring rules that give preferential consideration to veteran applicants during employment decisions. It directly affects MassPort's hiring process for all positions, including consultants and independent contractors paid by the Authority. The law defines "veterans" according to Chapter 31 of the General Laws and mandates that MassPort develop specific guidelines to implement this preference in its recruitment and hiring practices. The change applies to all roles covered under MassPort's employment definitions, expanding veteran hiring considerations beyond traditional employee roles.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates employment preference for veterans at Mass Port Authority, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 2093: An Act relative to uniformity among veteran tax exemptions

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2093) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to uniformity among veteran tax exemptions. Revenue.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes uniform veteran tax exemptions, ensuring consistent benefit application across state. This strengthens existing tax benefits for veterans without reducing or restricting them.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing

Track

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 5, 2026

S 2494: An Act relative to dental benefits for veterans

This bill amends Massachusetts law to explicitly include dental insurance as a covered service under veterans' dental benefits. It directly affects veterans enrolled in the state's dental assistance program by expanding their coverage to include dental insurance costs. The key change modifies existing language to add "dental insurance" to the list of covered items like medical visits, prescriptions, and procedures. The secretary of veterans' services will continue to determine specific covered treatments through regulations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill defines dental benefit assistance for veterans, expanding healthcare access and clarifying eligibility under Veterans and Federal Affairs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

Track