By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3825) of Shirley B. Arriaga relative to the flag of the commonwealth being flown at half-staff. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2499) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to erect a plaque to commemorate the service members from Massachusetts who were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Heroic Services during the Global War on Terror. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2496) of Michael F. Rush for legislation that the flag of the commonwealth shall be flown at half-staff honoring the passing of active duty military personnel from the commonwealth. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Representatives Fiola of Fall River and Kane of Shrewsbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3839) of Carole A. Fiola, Hannah Kane and others for legislation relative to recognition of the "Honor and Remember" flag in the Commonwealth. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
By Representative Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Steven George Xiarhos that a certain overpass on State Route 6 in the town of Sandwich be designated as the U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Raymond G. Tourville veterans memorial overpass. Transportation.
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.
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.
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.
This bill requires Massachusetts' governor to annually issue a proclamation designating September 20th as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day. It directs the governor to celebrate the service of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) veterans who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The proclamation also recommends that the public observe the day appropriately. The bill affects the governor's office through the required annual action and recognizes LGBTQ+ veterans' contributions without creating new programs or funding.
This bill creates a commemorative pin to honor veterans who serve as emergency responders (firefighters, police, EMTs, and emergency medical volunteers) in Massachusetts. It amends existing law to add the pin as a recognition for those with dual service in the military and emergency response. The Commonwealth’s art commission must approve the pin design, and the state legislature will fund its production through the FY2025 budget. The pin acknowledges the "dual sacrifices" of these individuals without creating new legal obligations or benefits.