Veterans (Veteran Healthcare)

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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill amends eligibility dates for annuities specifically for blind, paraplegic, or disabled veterans, directly advancing their financial benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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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 ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes a study to expand the mission of the Office of the Veteran Advocate, indicating intent to strengthen veteran services.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1335: An Act relative to a medical marijuana pilot program

HD 1335 establishes the "Crosby Project," a three-phase pilot program allowing Massachusetts veterans to use medical marijuana to treat conditions currently managed with opioids and combat opioid use disorder. The program directly affects veterans with qualifying medical conditions who are seeking alternatives to opioid-based medicine. Key mechanisms include Phase 1 research (reviewing medical studies, consulting veterans' groups, and evaluating other states' programs), Phase 2 launching a Boston-based veterans health center with staff and complementary services like acupuncture, and Phase 3 evaluating results to develop a statewide program. The Department of Public Health must submit a report detailing the program structure and findings by December 31, 2024.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes medical marijuana pilot for veterans to treat opioid use disorder, expanding treatment access and alternatives to opioids, directly advancing healthcare options for a specific condition.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirectly provides veterans with medical marijuana as opioid alternative for healthcare, improving access to treatment for qualifying conditions through dedicated pilot program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3229: An Act relative to municipal senior property tax relief for 100% disabled veterans

This bill creates a property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans who are 65+ years old and occupy their home as their primary residence in Massachusetts. To qualify, veterans must have a VA-determined 100% service-connected disability, be legal Massachusetts residents, and meet specific residency requirements before entering service or filing for exemption. The exemption covers the full property tax on the portion of the home used as the veteran's primary residence, and surviving spouses aged 65+ who remain owners and occupants continue the exemption after the veteran's death. The state will reimburse municipalities for the lost tax revenue, ensuring local governments bear no cost for this relief.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for disabled veterans, reducing tax burden and aligning with tax relief policies for vulnerable groups.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans, directly expanding financial benefits and reducing housing costs for qualifying veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Tax Incentives Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 1, 2026

H 3830: An Act providing for timely reimbursement of cities and towns for veterans' benefits

By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3830) of Natalie M. Blais, Mindy Domb and Joanne M. Comerford relative to the reimbursement of cities and towns for veterans' benefits. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates state reimbursement to municipalities for veterans' benefits, ensuring continued funding and support for veteran services without local financial burden.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 22, 2026

H 3243: An Act relative to disabled service-connected veterans and the motor vehicle excise tax

By Representative Smola of Warren, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3243) of Todd M. Smola for legislation to exempt certain disabled service-connected veterans from payment of the motor vehicle excise tax. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from motor vehicle excise tax, providing targeted tax relief per SUPPORT indicators.92% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled service-connected veterans from motor vehicle excise tax, providing direct financial benefit and strengthening veterans' tax relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1538: An Act connecting veterans with access to breakthrough treatments

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1538) of Dylan A. Fernandes that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services be authorized to establish a program to promote, incentivize and support the development and deployment of eligible therapies among veterans and first responders. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates program to promote access to breakthrough therapies for veterans via Public Health program, directly expanding healthcare access for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes program to promote breakthrough treatments for veterans, directly improving healthcare access and support per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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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 950: An Act exempting disabled veterans from sales tax when leasing a motor vehicle

This bill exempts disabled veterans with a permanent service-connected disability (as determined by the VA) from paying sales tax when leasing one motor vehicle. It directly affects veterans who meet the VA's disability criteria and use the vehicle for personal, noncommercial purposes. The key provision replaces existing language to specifically include leased vehicles under the sales tax exemption, limiting it to a single vehicle per veteran. The exemption applies only to the lease transaction itself, not to vehicle purchases or commercial use.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts disabled veterans from sales tax, providing targeted tax relief for vulnerable groups, aligning with support for fiscal relief in Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts disabled veterans from sales tax on leased vehicles, directly expanding tax benefits for veterans with service-connected disabilities per VA determination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1528: An Act recognizing and providing assistance for military service-related injuries from agent orange and burn pits

This bill creates the Massachusetts Orange Heart Medal for service members or veterans who developed health issues from exposure to Agent Orange or burn pits during military service while connected to Massachusetts. It also establishes a Veterans Agent Orange Advisory Board to administer an assistance program providing medical information, genetic counseling, registry services, and help filing claims for affected veterans. The program specifically targets Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 veterans exposed to chemical agents, aiming to connect them with state and federal resources. The medal and program work together to recognize service-related injuries while offering concrete support through information and assistance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes medical information, genetic counseling, and claim assistance for veterans' health issues related to military exposure, directly advancing healthcare access for affected veterans.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates Massachusetts Orange Heart Medal and advisory board providing medical assistance, counseling, and claims help for veterans exposed to Agent Orange/burn pits, directly enhancing healthcare access and benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Healthcare

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