Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3861: An Act enhancing burial expenses for veterans

This bill increases reimbursement amounts for veterans' burial expenses under existing law. It raises the basic burial expense cap from $4,000 to $8,000 and the additional expense cap from $5,000 to $9,000. These changes directly affect the families of veterans who qualify for burial expense payments through Massachusetts' current program. The bill amends specific sections of Chapter 115 of the General Laws to implement these higher reimbursement limits.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly 'enhances burial expenses for veterans,' directly advancing veterans' benefits as defined in topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 4002: An Act relative to expanding benefits for disabled veterans and their families

HD 2430 expands Massachusetts benefits for disabled veterans and their families by creating proportional state support based on disability rating. It provides property tax exemptions, partial healthcare, tuition reductions, and job training priority for veterans with service-connected disabilities (regardless of percentage), while offering home modification grants and housing assistance for those rated 50% or higher. Surviving spouses retain health insurance, tuition-free education, and a 50% annual pension, and dependents receive education support and health coverage until age 24. The bill requires the Department of Veterans' Services to manage applications, track usage, and publish annual reports on costs and beneficiaries.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly aims to expand disabled veterans' benefits and family support, directly advancing veteran services per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 6, 2025

H 2956: An Act relative to the veteran allowance for public retirees

This bill replaces the existing fixed veteran allowance for public retirees in Massachusetts with a new variable benefit: veterans in Groups 1, 2, or 4 of participating retirement systems will receive $50 per year of creditable service (capped at $1,000 annually) instead of current fixed amounts. Retirement systems must formally adopt this provision through a majority board vote and legislative approval (with the state teachers' and employees' systems automatically included), but the benefit applies only prospectively and is not retroactive. It directly affects public retirees who served in the military and are enrolled in eligible retirement systems.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes veteran allowance for public retirees, directly expanding benefits for veterans through financial support.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 2072: An Act incentivizing veterans to reside in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2072) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation to incentivize veterans to reside in the Commonwealth. Revenue.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly incentivizes veterans to reside in the Commonwealth, directly supporting veteran retention and community integration through financial or housing benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 15, 2026

H 570: An Act relative to testing requirements for veterans who wish to become educators

HD 2016 adds 5 points to the test scores of veterans seeking educator certification in Massachusetts. Specifically, it requires that any veteran (as defined by state law) who takes a required test for provisional educator or advanced provisional educator certification receives these 5 additional points added to their scaled score. This adjustment applies directly to veterans applying for teaching licenses through the state's certification process. The bill changes the scoring mechanism for these specific tests but does not alter the required testing standards or create new certification pathways.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill modifies testing requirements to enable veterans to enter teaching careers, directly supporting educator workforce development and access in education.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransReduces testing barriers for veterans entering education, directly supporting veteran employment in teaching careers.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Teachers Veteran Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 1932: An Act increasing volunteer service property tax benefits for veterans

By Mr. Brownsberger, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1932) of William N. Brownsberger for legislation to increase volunteer service property tax benefits for veterans. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax benefits for veterans, providing tax relief which aligns with supporting tax policy for eligible groups.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly increases property tax benefits for veterans, directly expanding financial support through tax relief for volunteer service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 22, 2025

S 2046: An Act granting property tax exemptions to disabled veterans

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2046) of Michael O. Moore and James B. Eldridge for legislation to grant property tax exemptions to disabled veterans. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesGrants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans, providing direct tax relief for a vulnerable group, aligning with 'support' indicators for tax relief and fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans, directly expanding financial benefits and support for this veteran subgroup.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 26, 2025

S 1795: An Act relative to veteran inclusion

This bill (S 1795) aims to create new employment opportunities for veterans in Massachusetts. It directly affects veterans seeking jobs by directing state agencies to prioritize hiring them. The official abstract states the bill is a petition for legislation focused on veteran inclusion but does not specify detailed mechanisms like hiring targets or training programs. The summary is limited to the abstract's description, as no further provisions or implementation details are provided in the context.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill prioritizes veteran hiring by state agencies, creating employment opportunities directly aligning with employment standards support.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill directs state agencies to prioritize hiring veterans, directly supporting veteran employment opportunities as a core benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Education Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 20, 2026

H 4691: An Act establishing an Orange Star license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange

This bill would create a new "Orange Star" license plate option for Massachusetts veterans exposed to Agent Orange during military service. The plate would be available for purchase at standard vehicle registration fees, providing a visible identifier for eligible veterans. It directly affects veterans who served in areas where Agent Orange was used, such as Vietnam, and meets a specific need for recognition within the state's vehicle registration system.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates visible recognition for Agent Orange-exposed veterans via new license plate, directly supporting veteran recognition under state policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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