This bill requires the Massachusetts Veteran's Service Commission to provide headstones for deceased members of the Massachusetts National Guard who served at least 10 years or died while serving. The headstones must match those offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It directly affects eligible deceased National Guard members and their families by making headstone requests available through the state commission. The provision is procedural, simply establishing the state's obligation to provide these headstones upon request.
HD 3313 creates a new series of free veteran license plates in Massachusetts, waiving the standard $60 registration fee and renewal costs for eligible veterans. The bill establishes multiple plate designs to recognize specific military service, including disabled veterans (60%+ VA disability), prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients, Purple Heart recipients ("COMBAT WOUNDED" plates), and Gold Star family members. Veterans must provide proof of service to receive a plate, and they are also eligible for branch-of-service decals (with a special option for woman veterans). The bill includes provisions allowing widows to retain veteran plates after a spouse's death without reapplying, and optional additional fees (funding veterans' homes) are available but not required.
This bill defines "reserve veteran" for Massachusetts as National Guard or Reserve members with 20+ years of service under federal law and an honorable discharge. It requires the state to honor and recognize these individuals as veterans through outreach programs and inclusion in veteran events. Crucially, it clarifies that this recognition does not make reserve veterans eligible for state benefits solely based on this status. The bill focuses on ceremonial recognition, not changes to benefit eligibility.
This bill (HD 3586) adds a recognition provision for service members who die while actively serving in the U.S. military. It specifically applies to active-duty personnel from all branches (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard), Reserve Components, and National Guard who are residents of the Commonwealth. The bill does not create new benefits or programs but formally acknowledges their service and sacrifice through legislative language. As a commemorative measure, it directly affects the families and communities of these fallen service members by adding this recognition to official records.
This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand the definition of "veteran" by adding specific federal service branches. It directly affects members of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, the United States Public Health Service, and the United States Space Force who previously may not have qualified as veterans under state law. The key provision adds these entities to the existing list of qualifying services in M.G.L. ch. 4, s. 7, clause 43(b). This change ensures these service members receive the same state-level veteran benefits and recognition as other military personnel.
This bill creates a reimbursement program for municipalities to cover costs of local veterans' outreach. It requires the Secretary of Veterans' Services to establish regulations reimbursing cities and towns 75% of eligible outreach expenses by local veterans' service departments, up to a maximum of $2,000 per municipality. The provision directly affects municipal governments operating veterans' service offices. Key mechanisms include setting a 75% reimbursement rate and a $2,000 annual cap on reimbursements for outreach activities. The bill does not change veterans' eligibility for services, only the funding mechanism for local outreach efforts.
This bill requires the Massachusetts Commission of Veteran's Service to provide headstones for deceased members of the Massachusetts National Guard who either served 10 or more years or perished while performing duties. Headstones must match those offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The policy directly affects eligible deceased National Guard members and their families by ensuring access to standardized headstones through a state commission. It creates a new administrative duty for the commission without altering existing federal benefits.
This bill allows veterans who received the Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge (Second Award), or Combat Action Badge to obtain free distinctive license plates displaying "COMBAT VETERAN" and their military branch emblem. It directly affects qualifying Army combat veterans who own a private passenger vehicle or motorcycle. Surviving spouses of eligible veterans may continue using the plates by paying an annual $20 fee, but only until remarriage or non-renewal. The plates are provided at no cost to the veteran upon verification of their combat badge.
HD 978 amends state law to expand eligibility for a parks pass waiver from only Purple Heart recipients to all veterans. Currently, the waiver applies exclusively to Purple Heart recipients under Chapter 132A Section 2D, but this bill would add "a veteran" to the qualifying categories. As a result, any veteran meeting the state's definition would qualify for the waiver, including those without a Purple Heart. The bill does not alter the existing waiver for Purple Heart recipients but broadens coverage to include all veterans.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 594) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to improve veteran access to state parks. Environment and Natural Resources.
