Veterans in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 4, 2026

SD 3836: An Act amending the eligibility date for annuities for blind veterans, paraplegic veterans or veterans with disabilities

By Ms. Edwards (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Edward Joseph Kennedy for legislation to amend the eligibility date for annuities for blind veterans, paraplegic veterans or veterans with disabilities. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 4, 2026

H 5626: An Act to improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

This bill expands health insurance coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices in Massachusetts to ensure equitable access for people with limb loss or differences. It mandates that insurance plans cover specialized equipment designed for physical activities like swimming or biking, removes discriminatory barriers to coverage based on disability, and requires networks to include at least two distinct providers for these services. Additionally, the legislation simplifies the process for replacing devices by allowing replacements based on medical necessity rather than strict time limits, provided repairs would cost more than 60% of a new device. These changes directly affect state employees and other insured individuals, aiming to improve their ability to perform daily life activities and maintain physical function.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Insurance

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 4, 2026

H 5624: An Act establishing a Medal of Fidelity license plate

This bill creates a special license plate for individuals who have received the Medal of Fidelity, a state award given to next of kin of fallen service members. The legislation requires the state registrar to provide these distinctive plates free of charge to eligible recipients upon presentation of proof of their award status. Additionally, the bill mandates that current and past recipients be notified of their eligibility to receive the plates through official letters and online applications. The new plates will feature an image of the medal and ribbon along with the words "MEDAL OF FIDELITY" to honor the recipients.

Topics ✓ Veterans

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 20, 2026

HD 5836: A report of the Executive Office of Veterans Services (under Section 150 of Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024) submitting a report on the findings and recommendations of the working group to review alternative therapies for mental health treatments for veterans

This bill requires the Executive Office of Veterans Services to submit a report detailing the findings and recommendations of a working group that reviewed alternative therapies for veterans' mental health. The report will specifically address psychedelic-based treatments, such as MDMA, which have recently received Breakthrough Therapy designation for mental health conditions. By placing this report on file, the legislation ensures that the state's assessment of these emerging options is formally recorded without mandating immediate implementation or funding changes.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 3136: Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs to make an investigation and study of a certain current Senate document relative to expanding the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate

Senate, June 18, 2026 -- The committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2466) of Ryan C. Fattman, John J. Cronin and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to expanding the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, report the accompanying Order (Senate, No. 3136).

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 11, 2026

H 5496: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects

This bill appropriates additional state funds for fiscal year 2026 to support various government programs, including substance addiction services, homelessness initiatives, and transportation snow removal. It also establishes a new State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for prize payments, administrative costs, and affordable childcare grants. Furthermore, the legislation amends laws regarding military service recognition to define specific conflict periods and remove residency requirements for certain veteran benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Homelessness Memorials & Recognition

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

HD 5795: A communication from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (see Section 61 of Chapter 7 of the General Laws) submitting the Supplier Diversity Office Comprehensive Annual Report for fiscal year 2025

Bill HD 5799 is a procedural document that formally submits the Supplier Diversity Office's comprehensive annual report for fiscal year 2025 to the state legislature. The report details the number of businesses certified as minority, women, and veteran-owned, along with data on administrative reviews and renewal activities. It also highlights specific achievements, such as the utilization of veteran-owned businesses in major construction contracts and the implementation of new certification goals. As a communication of existing data rather than a proposal for new laws, the bill does not create any new policies or affect future legislative actions.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 10, 2026

H 5493: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects.

This bill provides funding for various state agencies and programs for the fiscal year 2026, including support for substance addiction services, homelessness programs, and emergency management. It also establishes a separate State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for paying prizes, operating costs, and providing aid for local property tax relief and affordable childcare. Additionally, the legislation updates laws regarding military service recognition by defining specific conflict periods and removing residency requirements for certain veterans' benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations Property Tax State Budget Homelessness Property Taxes Memorials & Recognition

passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 7, 2026

H 5508: An Act relative to veterans’ housing stability

By Representative Hong of Lowell, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Tara T. Hong for legislation to establish a veteran rental assistance bridge program. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Renters Veteran Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6237: An Act relative to pension benefits for firefighter Leo J. Bracken

This bill grants special pension benefits to Leo J. Bracken, a Boston firefighter who was permanently injured while on duty in 2019. It directs the Boston retirement board to increase his disability pension to 100% of his full salary and allows him to earn up to half of his pension amount without penalty. Additionally, the legislation covers his future medical expenses related to his injuries, pays out his accumulated savings immediately, and provides a survivor annuity for his spouse if he passes away.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

All veterans bills