Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 2, 2026

H 4688: An Act making August 10th Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts

By Representatives Hawkins of Attleboro and Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James K. Hawkins, Kelly W. Pease and others for legislation to designate August 10th as Agent Orange awareness day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Agent Orange Awareness Day to recognize veterans' service and health impacts from exposure, aligning with veteran recognition indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

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

By Representative Arciero of Westford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3821) of James Arciero and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to the feasibility of establishing a veterans' hall of fame. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

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

By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3388) of Joan Meschino and others for the issuance of an annual proclamation by the Governor to designate September 22 as military service members and veterans suicide awareness and remembrance day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

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

By Representative Elliott of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2264) of Rodney M. Elliott relative to free parking for veterans. Municipalities and Regional Government.

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 · House

HD 201: An Act amending the definition of veteran

This bill (HD 201) amends Massachusetts law to expand the definition of "veteran" by adding three specific federal service branches: the United States NOAA Corps, the United States Public Health Service, and the United States Space Force. It directly affects service members who served in these branches, ensuring they qualify for state veteran benefits and recognition under existing law. The change modifies M.G.L. ch. 4, s. 7, clause 43 part (b), adding the new branches after "coast guard" in the legal definition. This is a definitional update with no new benefits or requirements, simply aligning state law with current federal service structures.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran definition to include NOAA, PHS, and Space Force members, ensuring eligibility for state benefits and recognition under existing law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 208: An Act relative to amending retirement eligibility

This bill amends Massachusetts retirement rules for Group 4 state employees by allowing up to four years of prior military service to count toward retirement eligibility when combined with civilian employment. It directly affects current and future Group 4 retirees who have military service history, including public safety and education workers covered under this retirement system. The key change inserts a specific provision into existing law (Section 3(2)g of the General Laws) to include military service as qualifying time for retirement credits. The amendment does not alter benefit calculations but expands how service time is counted toward eligibility requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands retirement benefits by counting military service toward eligibility, directly enhancing worker benefits for public safety and education employees in Group 4.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllows military service to count toward retirement eligibility, expanding veterans' benefits under state retirement system for Group 4 employees.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 205: An Act increasing access to medical care for veterans

This bill (HD 205) requires Massachusetts public transportation systems (commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle, and boat) to provide free rides to veterans traveling to or from Veterans Administration hospitals for medical care. It applies only to veterans certified by the U.S. Department of Defense who present proof of a VA medical appointment, such as a notice from the VA showing their name, date, and location of the appointment. The law aims to reduce transportation barriers for veterans seeking medical care at VA facilities within Massachusetts, without altering VA healthcare services or eligibility.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves transportation barrier for veterans accessing VA medical care, directly improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates free public transit rides for veterans to VA medical appointments, expanding access to transportation services without restricting funding or infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates free public transit for veterans traveling to VA medical appointments, directly reducing transportation barriers to healthcare access as stated in its summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 225: 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 VeteransGrants 100% disabled veterans free hunting/fishing licenses, removing financial barriers to recreation. Directly expands benefits for this veteran group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

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