Veterans in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2400: An Act relative to the display of the flag of the United States by condominium unit owners

HD 2400 ensures condominium unit owners in Massachusetts can display the U.S. flag and certain military flags without association restrictions. The bill prohibits condominium associations (managed by corporations, trusts, or unincorporated associations) from banning unit owners from flying the U.S. flag on a flagpole attached to their unit in a designated area or displaying military flags (like POW/MIA) in windows. Key provisions limit flag size to 4.5 feet by 6 feet, require compliance with U.S. flag etiquette, and prevent obstruction of neighbors' sightlines or violation of easements. This directly affects condo owners and associations governed by master deeds in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Veterans

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3545: An Act establishing a special commission on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including but not limited to investigation of PTSD caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic

HD 3545 establishes a 19-member commission within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Health and Human Services to address PTSD. The commission, including experts, veterans' groups, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations, will research PTSD causes (specifically pandemic-related cases), monitor care access, and develop annual strategic plans to improve diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness. Key provisions require the commission to publish yearly reports on research advances, care access, and progress on its strategic plan to the Governor and legislature. This bill directly affects Massachusetts residents with PTSD by creating a structured effort to evaluate and enhance care systems for the condition.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2192: An Act relative to reimbursement to armed service members

SD 2192 amends Massachusetts General Law Chapter 33, Section 59, to clarify that employees of local governments (counties, cities, and towns) who serve in the armed forces are entitled to reimbursement benefits under the law. The bill replaces an outdated subsection with updated language ensuring these employees receive the same benefits and protections as prior law. This change does not alter existing reimbursement amounts or processes but explicitly confirms eligibility for local government employees who are military service members. The bill directly affects municipal, county, and city workers who serve in the armed forces.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2603: An Act designating a certain bridge in the city of New Bedford in the memory of Silver Star recipient Corporal Francis J. McHugh

This bill designates bridge N-06-024(3Y0) on Philips Road over Route 140 in New Bedford as the "Corporal Francis J. McHugh Memorial Bridge" to honor a WWII Army veteran who earned the Silver Star for saving a fellow soldier. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will install and maintain markers bearing this name. The bill is purely commemorative, with no policy changes or financial impacts. It directly affects the bridge's official designation and the city of New Bedford.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2516: 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 ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2272: An Act relative to the establishment of a veterans research trust fund

This bill establishes a dedicated Veterans Research Trust Fund to support research on veterans' issues. The fund will be financed by specific sources: money from Chapter 94G, direct appropriations from the legislature, donations, and interest earnings. The commission managing the fund must use its resources for veterans' research and cover its own operational costs, which cannot exceed 10% of the total funds spent each year. Unspent funds will not revert to the general state budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics State Budget

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1055: An Act exempting veterans’ organizations from state and local meals tax

This bill exempts certain meals served by veterans' organizations from Massachusetts' state and local meals tax. It applies to meals that are either provided free of charge, served at potluck events (as defined in section 328A of section 94), sold at cost, or constitute less than 20% of the organization's annual revenue. The exemption specifically covers meals served by qualifying veterans' organizations under these four defined conditions. The bill amends existing tax law to add this exemption for eligible veterans' group meal services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4199: 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 changes clarify that benefits apply to those who die while performing qualified duty under state or federal orders (including State Active Duty and Title 10/32 U.S. Code service), and establish the "Death Gratuity Board" to determine benefits. The board must now recommend decisions to the Adjutant General, streamlining the process for families of eligible service members.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1826: An Act providing retirement benefits for for caregivers at the Soldiers' Homes

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1823) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation relative to retirement benefits for care givers at the Soldiers' Homes. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2964: An Act providing for disability and death benefits for explosive device canine handlers and bomb technicians

By Representative Silvia of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2964) of Alan Silvia and David F. DeCoste relative to retirement for disability or death caused by certain conditions of cancer to certain explosive device canine handlers and bomb technicians. Public Service.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

All veterans bills