Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 225: An Act relative to disabled veterans fishing and hunting licenses

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 670) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation relative to disabled veterans fishing and hunting licenses. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides disabled veterans with fishing/hunting license access, a direct benefit enhancing service access for veterans.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1737: An Act relative to the air medal license plate

This bill amends a section of state law to add "Air Medal" to the list of military honors eligible for specialty license plates. It directly affects residents who wish to display license plates honoring military service, specifically allowing the "Air Medal" designation to be included alongside existing options like the "Distinguished Flying Cross." The key mechanism is a simple textual update to the law, inserting "Air Medal" after "Distinguished Flying Cross" in the relevant sections. This is a procedural change to license plate designations, not a new benefit or policy.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAdds 'Air Medal' to military honor license plates, recognizing veterans' service. Directly supports veteran recognition through symbolic means.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1257: An Act relative to recognition of the "Honor and Remember" flag in the Commonwealth

This bill designates the "Honor and Remember" flag as a symbol representing Massachusetts' commitment to honoring U.S. military members who died in service or from service-related causes, and their families. It specifies the flag's symbolism (e.g., red for blood shed, blue star for active service) and requires it to be displayed below the American flag on shared poles, never larger than the American flag. The bill lists eight specific days for optional display, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Crucially, it clarifies that the bill is not a mandate - individuals, organizations, or government entities are not required to purchase or display the flag.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates 'Honor and Remember' flag to honor veterans who died in service, aligns with recognition of veteran service on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3543: An Act establishing a Medal of Fidelity license plate

This bill creates a "Medal of Fidelity" license plate for next of kin of fallen service members who receive the Medal of Fidelity award. It requires the state registrar to provide this distinctive plate free of charge to eligible recipients upon proof of the award, featuring the medal image and "MEDAL OF FIDELITY" text. The bill also mandates that the registrar notify all past Medal of Fidelity recipients about this plate option within six months of the plate's design completion. This is a procedural change focused on recognizing service members' families through a specific license plate design.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates recognition license plate for families of fallen service members, aligning with veteran service recognition indicator90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 588: An Act clarifying military buyback options

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1905) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation to clarify military buyback options. Public Service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies military buyback options, enabling veterans to access retirement benefits more easily by streamlining service credit calculations.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1069: An Act relative to National Guard state tax exemption

This bill creates a state tax exemption for Massachusetts National Guard members. It exempts 100% of specific military-related income from state taxes, including pay from drills, annual training, active duty, dual-status technician roles, or state active duty service. The exemption applies to income already counted in federal adjusted gross income and takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2027. It directly affects Massachusetts National Guard members receiving these types of military compensation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax exemption for National Guard members, creating tax relief for a specific group as a fiscal policy.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts National Guard military income from state taxes, directly expanding financial benefits for veterans as defined by the topic's scope.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives National Guard & Reserve

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3754: 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 VeteransIncreases state burial reimbursement from $4k/$5k to $7k/$8k for veterans' families, expanding financial support without altering eligibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 570: An Act relative to veterans service officers retirement benefits

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1904) of Michael F. Rush and Paul McMurtry for legislation relative to veterans service officers retirement benefits. Public Service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides retirement benefits for veterans service officers, directly advancing their benefits as a core veterans' service topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1787: An Act relative to disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1821) of Sal N. DiDomenico, Marcus S. Vaughn, Steven George Xiarhos, Paul K. Frost and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to the disability or death caused by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Public Service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly addresses PTSD-related disability/death for veterans, implying recognition and potential benefits expansion for service-connected conditions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1094: An Act relative to the veteran allowance for public retirees

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1918) of John C. Velis and Dennis C. Gallagher for legislation relative to the veteran allowance for public retirees. Public Service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides veteran allowance for public retirees, directly expanding benefits for veterans through public service retirement programs.95% confidence

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