Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 4, 2026

SD 3836: An Act amending the eligibility date for annuities for blind veterans, paraplegic veterans or veterans with disabilities

By Ms. Edwards (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward Joseph Kennedy for legislation to amend the eligibility date for annuities for blind veterans, paraplegic veterans or veterans with disabilities. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill amends eligibility dates for annuities specifically for blind, paraplegic, or disabled veterans, directly advancing their financial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 3136: Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to expanding the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate

Senate, June 18, 2026 -- The committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2466) of Ryan C. Fattman, John J. Cronin and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to expanding the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3136).

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes a study to expand the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, indicating intent to strengthen veteran services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2025

H 50: An Act relative to the Veterans' Bonus Division

So much of the recommendations of the Department of the State Treasurer (House, No. 35) as relates to a relative to the Veterans’ Bonus Division. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill title explicitly references 'Veterans' Bonus Division,' indicating direct support for veteran benefits through state treasurer's recommendations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 22, 2026

H 3222: An Act updating disabled veterans tax exemption totals

This bill (HD 3213) increases tax exemptions for disabled veterans in Massachusetts. It updates three tiers of real estate tax exemptions based on disability severity: - **$4,000** exemption (replacing a lower amount) for veterans with permanent loss of use of one foot, one hand, or one eye (or POW status/medal recipients), - **$8,000** exemption (replacing a lower amount) for veterans with loss of both feet/hands or combined loss (e.g., one foot + one hand), - All exemptions apply only to primary residences occupied by the veteran or their spouse. The bill ensures surviving spouses retain the exemption after the veteran’s death if they remain owners and occupants. It also eliminates annual re-verification once approved, unless new evidence shows the veteran initially failed eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesUpdates disabled veterans' tax exemption totals, providing targeted tax relief under Revenue subject.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransUpdates disabled veterans' tax exemption totals, directly expanding financial benefits for this group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Veteran Benefits

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3830: An Act providing for timely reimbursement of cities and towns for veterans' benefits

This bill changes the timeline for reimbursing cities and towns that pay veterans' benefits. It replaces the current deadline of "on or before November tenth" with a new requirement that reimbursement must be made "no later than 6 months after the date on which such expenditures are certified by the secretary." The bill directly affects cities and towns that disburse veterans' benefits, ensuring they receive reimbursement within six months of state certification of their expenses. The change takes effect two years after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates state reimbursement to municipalities for veterans' benefits, ensuring continued funding and support for veteran services without local financial burden.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3858: An Act relative to 100% disabled veteran recreation

This bill (HD 225) grants Massachusetts residents who are 100% disabled veterans the right to obtain any state-issued hunting or fishing license without paying any fee. It directly affects eligible veterans by removing financial barriers to recreational activities they previously had to pay for. The key provision overrides all existing state laws, rules, or regulations requiring fees for these licenses. The policy change applies to all hunting and fishing licenses offered by the Commonwealth, ensuring no cost to qualifying veterans.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides no-cost hunting/fishing licenses for 100% disabled veterans, directly expanding recreational benefits and recognizing veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 6, 2025

S 2504: An Act relative to the Veterans’ Bonus Division

This bill updates Massachusetts' veterans' bonus program by defining specific conflict periods (like World War II, the Korean Emergency, and the Persian Gulf War) and revising eligibility rules. It removes a requirement that veterans must have lived in Massachusetts for six months before service, instead requiring the veteran to reside in the state. The bill also expands eligibility to include veterans currently serving and those discharged under less than honorable conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status. Additionally, it repeals outdated laws related to veterans' bonuses that were no longer in use.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill title references Veterans’ Bonus Division, implying support for veteran benefits through bonus programs without explicit restrictions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 15, 2025

HD 5213: An Act establishing a cost-of-living adjustment for the disabled veteran annuity

By Representative Markey of Dartmouth, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Christopher M. Markey for legislation to establish a cost-of-living adjustment for disabled veteran annuities. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes COLA for disabled veteran annuities, increasing benefit payments to keep pace with inflation - directly advancing veteran financial support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2502: An Act ensuring annuity eligibility for Gold Star Spouses

SD 1160, titled "An Act ensuring annuity eligibility for Gold Star Spouses," removes a requirement that previously disqualified remarried surviving spouses of military members who died in service from receiving annuities. The bill amends Massachusetts law by deleting the phrase "provided, that the surviving spouse does not remarry" from Section 6B of Chapter 115. This change directly affects Gold Star Spouses (surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty) who have chosen to remarry, allowing them to retain annuity eligibility. The policy shift eliminates a prior barrier to benefits for this group without altering other eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill ensures annuity eligibility for Gold Star Spouses, expanding financial benefits for veterans' families per summary's 'increase annuity for disabled Veterans and Gold Star families'.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 31, 2025

S 2468: An Act amending death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and the organized militia of the Commonwealth

This bill updates Massachusetts law to expand death compensation eligibility for military members. It replaces outdated terms like "Massachusetts organized militia" with "members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts organized militia" throughout the law. The bill creates a specific "Death Gratuity Board" to determine benefits and clarifies that service under federal military codes (Titles 10/32) qualifies for compensation. It directly affects families of Massachusetts military personnel who die while performing duty, including state and federal service. The changes streamline eligibility without altering benefit amounts or creating new financial obligations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill amends death/disability compensation for veterans, directly enhancing benefits per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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