Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4172 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
1	1	1 of 2
2	2	HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4685 FILED ON: 11/9/2023
3	3	HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 4172
4	4	OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
5	5	COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
6	6	STATE HOUSE · BOSTON, MA 02133
7	7	(617) 725-4000
8	8	MAURA T. HEALEY
9	9	GOVERNOR
10	10	KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
11	11	LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
12	12	November 9, 2023
13	13	To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives,
14	14	I am pleased to submit for your consideration An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing
15	15	our Servicemembers and Veterans.
16	16	On March 1, 2023, our administration established the Executive Office of Veterans Services
17	17	(EOVS), reaffirming our commitments to veterans who have sacrificed and served their nation,
18	18	and to provide an increased level of oversight, accountability, and professionalism. This
19	19	important step was made possible because of the leadership of the Legislature, and we are
20	20	grateful for their partnership in our efforts to improve veteran services across the state.
21	21	The Healey-Driscoll administration has completed a robust engagement process to better
22	22	understand the legislative and programmatic priorities of the veteran community. I am proud to
23	23	say that the administration has engaged with over 75 Veterans Service Officers representing over
24	24	100 municipalities, heard from over 30 nonprofit partners, and conducted a 50-state review of
25	25	veteran policy and legislative efforts. The legislation I am filing today consists of proposals
26	26	aimed at expanding veterans’ benefits, increasing inclusivity, and modernizing services.
27	27	The legislation will increase benefits and opportunities for veterans, including by:
28	28	1. Increasing the annuity paid to disabled veterans, surviving spouses, or Gold Star parents
29	29	from $2,000 to $2,500.
30	30	2. Allowing veterans who lack other options to be reimbursed for behavioral health
31	31	services.
32	32	3. Increasing the tax credit for employers who hire eligible veterans from $2,000 to $2,500. 2 of 2
33	33	4. Giving municipalities options to increase property tax exemptions for veterans, by
34	34	doubling the existing exemption for veterans alone and/or tying the exemption to
35	35	inflation.
36	36	5. Lengthening the timeframe in which veterans in public service can pay to have up to four
37	37	years of active-duty service time count toward their state retirement.
38	38	This legislation will redouble our commitment to inclusivity and greater representation of all our
39	39	veterans, including by:
40	40	1.Broadening the definition of veteran by aligning the state Chapter 115 program definition
41	41	of a veteran with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) definition,
42	42	allowing EOVS to serve more veterans.
43	43	2.Expanding the scope of the Veterans Equality Review Board to allow individuals
44	44	discharged on the basis of additional protected classes (including race/ethnicity, color,
45	45	religious creed, national origin, age, and disability) to become eligible for state veterans
46	46	benefits.
47	47	3.Providing, through a two-year pilot program, in vitro fertilization (IVF) reimbursement to
48	48	disabled same-sex women veterans who have been denied IVF reimbursement by the VA
49	49	solely because they are in a same-sex marriage.
50	50	And this legislation will modernize our approach to serving veterans, including by:
51	51	1.Revising Chapter 115 and 115A to ensure gender neutral and inclusive language while
52	52	removing antiquated references.
53	53	2.Creating a public-private working group to study the health benefits of psychedelics as
54	54	treatment for veterans suffering physical or mental disorders related to their service.
55	55	Our veterans answered the call to serve our state and country, and they deserve the utmost
56	56	dignity, respect, and support for their service. This bill reaffirms the Commonwealth’s
57	57	commitment to supporting all of our servicemembers and their families.
58	58	I urge your favorable consideration of this legislation.
59	59	Respectfully submitted,
60	60	Maura T. Healey,
61	61	Governor 1 of 27
62	62	HOUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 4172
63	63	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
64	64	_______________
65	65	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
66	66	(2023-2024)
67	67	_______________
68	68	An Act honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans.
69	69	Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
70	70	of the same, as follows:
71	71	1 SECTION 1. Section 34 of chapter 2 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
72	72	2Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word “department” and
73	73	3inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
74	74	4 SECTION 2. Subsection (d) of section 16DD of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as so
75	75	5appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 29, the word “department” and inserting in
76	76	6place thereof the following words:- executive office.
77	77	7 SECTION 3. Section 105 of said chapter 6A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
78	78	8striking out, in line 1, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:-
79	79	9executive office.
80	80	10 SECTION 4. Section 4G of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
81	81	11amended by striking out, in lines 7 to 8, the words “the department of veterans’ services”. 2 of 27
82	82	12 SECTION 5. Subsection (k) of section 61 of said chapter 7, as so appearing, is hereby
83	83	13amended by striking out, in lines 124 to 125, the word “department” and inserting in place
84	84	14thereof the following words:- executive office.
85	85	15 SECTION 6. Paragraph 2 of section 17 of chapter 11 of the General Laws, as so
86	86	16appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 21, the word “department” and inserting in
87	87	17place thereof the following words:- executive office.
88	88	18 SECTION 7. Section 49 of chapter 31 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
89	89	19amended by striking out, in lines 14 to 15, the words “in the City of Chelsea”.
90	90	20 SECTION 8. Subsection (h) of said section 4 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is
91	91	21hereby amended by inserting after the words “United States shall be”, in lines 148 to 149, the
92	92	22following words:- provided written notice by the retirement board upon entry into service that
93	93	23they are.
94	94	24 SECTION 9. Said subsection (h) of said section 4 of said chapter 32, as so appearing, is
95	95	25hereby further amended by inserting after the word “member”, in line 151, the following words:-
96	96	26prior to or within 1 year of vesting pursuant to this chapter.
97	97	27 SECTION 10. Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
98	98	28amended by inserting after clause Twenty-second H the following 2 clauses:-
99	99	29 Twenty-second I. In a city or town that accepts this section and is certified by the
100	100	30commissioner to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, an abatement granted
101	101	31pursuant clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C,
102	102	32Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be increased annually by an amount equal to the 3 of 27
103	103	33increase in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index for such year. The
104	104	34department of revenue shall annually inform each city or town that accepts this clause of the
105	105	35amount of this increase.
106	106	36 Twenty-second J. In a city or town that accepts this section and is certified by the
107	107	37commissioner to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, a taxpayer who
108	108	38otherwise qualifies for an exemption pursuant clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A,
109	109	39Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be granted an
110	110	40additional exemption that shall be uniform for all herein named exemptions and the amount of
111	111	41which shall not exceed 100 per cent of the exemption for which the taxpayer qualifies, as may be
112	112	42determined by the legislative body of the city or town, subject to its charter, not later than the
113	113	43beginning of the fiscal year to which the additional exemption shall commence. Once accepted,
114	114	44the amount of the exemption shall continue until amended by the legislative body of the city or
115	115	45town. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the exemption shall be in
116	116	46addition to any exemption allowable pursuant to said section 5; provided, however, that in no
117	117	47instance shall the taxable valuation of the property, after all applicable exemptions, be reduced
118	118	48below 10 per cent of its full and fair cash valuation, except through the applicability of clause
119	119	49Eighteenth of said section 5. Acceptance of this section by a city or town shall not increase the
120	120	50amount that it otherwise would have been reimbursed by the commonwealth pursuant to the
121	121	51respective clause. The additional exemption contained within this section shall not be
122	122	52implemented in any year in which the city or town has also accepted the section 5C1/2 of chapter
123	123	5359. 4 of 27
124	124	54 SECTION 11. Paragraph (1) of subsection (u) of section 6 of chapter 62 of the General
125	125	55Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 1113, the figure “2,000” and
126	126	56inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2,500.
127	127	57 SECTION 12. Paragraph (4) of said subsection (u) of said section 6 of said chapter 62,
128	128	58as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 1130, the figure “2,000” and inserting
129	129	59in place thereof the following figure:- 2,500.
130	130	60 SECTION 13. Subsection (a) of section 38GG of chapter 63 of the General Laws, as so
131	131	61appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 8, the figure “2,000” and inserting in place
132	132	62thereof the following figure:- 2,500.
133	133	63 SECTION 14. Subsection (d) of said section 38GG of said chapter 63, as so appearing, is
134	134	64hereby amended by striking out, in line 24, the figure “2,000” and inserting in place thereof the
135	135	65following figure:- 2,500.
136	136	66 SECTION 15. Section 6 of chapter 64H of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
137	137	67amended by striking out subsection (u) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-
138	138	68 (u) Sale of a motor vehicle purchased by and for the use of a person who has suffered
139	139	69loss, or permanent loss of use of, both legs or both arms or one leg and one arm or by and for the
140	140	70use of a veteran who has been determined to be permanently disabled by the medical advisory
141	141	71board established under section 8C of chapter 90 and has been issued a disabled veteran number
142	142	72plate or a purple heart recipient plate under section 2 of said chapter 90; provided that this
143	143	73exemption shall apply to 1 motor vehicle only owned and registered for the personal,
144	144	74noncommercial use of such person. A person issued a purple heart recipient plate shall not have
145	145	75to forfeit their purple heart recipient plate for a disabled veteran number plate in order to receive 5 of 27
146	146	76the exemption from the tax in this paragraph. A person issued a purple heart recipient plate and a
147	147	77disability placard shall receive the exemption from the tax in this subsection.
148	148	78 SECTION 16. Section 4 of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
149	149	79amended by striking out, in lines 32 and 39, each time it appears, the word “department” and
150	150	80inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
151	151	81 SECTION 17. Section 2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
152	152	82amended by striking out the words “pleasure passenger vehicles owned by veterans who,
153	153	83according to the records of the United States Veterans’ Administration, has been determined to
154	154	84have a service-connected disability rating of 60 per cent or greater and by reason of service in the
155	155	85armed forces of the United States have suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet;
156	156	86or loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of both
157	157	87eyes of the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with
158	158	88corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which
159	159	89the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field
160	160	90subtends an angular distance no greater than twenty degrees in the better eye, or any other
161	161	91disability or handicap of such veterans which may be determined by the medical advisory board
162	162	92as established by section eight C, and”.
163	163	93 SECTION 18. The seventh paragraph of said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so
164	164	94appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the third and fourth sentences.
165	165	95 SECTION 19. Said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby further
166	166	96amended by striking out the words “and the words “Disabled Veteran” for a pleasure passenger
167	167	97vehicle or a pick-up truck owned or leased by and used by a veteran who, according to the 6 of 27
168	168	98records of the United States Veterans’ Administration, by reason of service in the armed forces
169	169	99of the United States has suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet; or loss or
170	170	100permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes of
171	171	101the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with corrective
172	172	102glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which the
173	173	103peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field subtends
174	174	104an angular distance no greater that 20 degrees in the better eye, or any other disability or
175	175	105handicap”.
176	176	106 SECTION 20. Said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby further
177	177	107amended by striking out the twelfth paragraph.
178	178	108 SECTION 21. Said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby further
179	179	109amended by striking out the fifteenth through seventeenth, inclusive, paragraphs.
180	180	110 SECTION 22. Said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so appearing, is hereby further
181	181	111amended by striking out the nineteenth through twenty-second, inclusive, paragraphs.
182	182	112 SECTION 23. Chapter 90 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after
183	183	113section 2I the following section:-
184	184	114 Section 2J. (a) The registrar is hereby authorized, required, and directed to design and
185	185	115maintain a series on distinct and individual license plates recognizing those who have served in
186	186	116the military and for those who deserve special recognition relating to or deriving from military
187	187	117service. Any veteran meeting the definition of a veteran in clause forty-third of section 7 of
188	188	118chapter 4, or section 1 of chapter 115, or is eligible for the annuity provided under section 6C of
189	189	119chapter 115, shall be eligible and entitled to a veteran plate which shall carry the denotation 7 of 27
190	190	120“VETERAN”, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status as determined by the
191	191	121registrar.
192	192	122 (b) Veterans ranked as at least 60 per cent disabled by the United States Veterans
193	193	123Administration, including those who have suffered the loss of a limb, permanent visual acuity
194	194	124loss of 20/200 in an eye, or are otherwise determined to be disabled or handicapped by the
195	195	125medical advisory board established in section 8C, shall be entitled to a distinctive disabled
196	196	126veteran plate.
197	197	127 (c) Veterans who have been captured and incarcerated by foreign forces in conflict or
198	198	128held as prisoners of war shall be entitled to a distinctive plate recognizing that status.
199	199	129 (d) Veterans who are members of the Legion of Valor of the United States Inc. shall be
200	200	130entitled to a distinctive plate recognizing that status. Residents of the commonwealth awarded
201	201	131the Congressional Medal of Honor shall be entitled to a distinctive plate recognizing that status,
202	202	132including, subject to availability, the use of the initials of the award recipient followed by CMH
203	203	133signifying their award.
204	204	134 (e) Veterans entitled to a distinctive plate shall be entitled to have a distinctive emblem or
205	205	135decal reflecting service in Operation Enduring Freedom, the receipt of the Iraqi Freedom
206	206	136Campaign Ribbon, an Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, a Persian Gulf Campaign Ribbon, the
207	207	137receipt of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Inherent
208	208	138Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service
209	209	139Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Prisoner of War Medal.
210	210	140 (f) Veterans awarded the Order of the Purple Heart shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
211	211	141indicating that status which shall include the words “COMBAT WOUNDED.” 8 of 27
212	212	142 (g) Survivors of the attack upon Pearl Harbor shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
213	213	143reflecting that status and also bearing the word “VETERAN” thereupon.
214	214	144 (h) Residents of the commonwealth serving in the national guard, any branch, shall be
215	215	145entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status.
216	216	146 (i) Residents of the commonwealth awarded the Medal of Liberty under chapter 33 shall
217	217	147be entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status.
218	218	148 (j) Residents of the commonwealth identifying as a woman veteran who served in any
219	219	149branch shall be entitled to a distinctive decal which the registry of motor vehicles shall design
220	220	150and issue.
221	221	151 (k) A veteran who has served in the armed forces and is entitled to veteran plate shall also
222	222	152be entitled to the issuance of a decal or emblem denoting their branch of service.
223	223	153 (l) Owners of private vehicles awarded a decoration for valor or gallantry, as defined
224	224	154herein, shall be entitled to a distinctive veteran plate or emblem or decal denoting their award
225	225	155status. The awards references in this paragraph shall be as follows: the Silver Star, the Bronze
226	226	156Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Distinguish Service Cross, the Navy Cross, the Air
227	227	157Force Cross, and any other similar award designated by the secretary of veterans’ services under
228	228	158the auspices of section 1 of chapter 115.
229	229	159 (m) A resident of the commonwealth qualifying as a Gold Star parent, child, sibling,
230	230	160grandchild or spouse shall be entitled to either a distinctive plate or an emblem or decal denoting
231	231	161their status. A distinctive plate, under this paragraph, may not be used in conjunction with a
232	232	162motor vehicle which has promotional or advertising material thereupon. A Gold Star Family 9 of 27
233	233	163member is defined as a parent, child, spouse, sibling or grandchild of a member of the armed
234	234	164forces who is killed in action.
235	235	165 (n) The next of kin of a member of the armed forces, in possession of a Gold Star Lapel
236	236	166Button under the regulations of the United States Secretary of Defense, shall be entitled to a
237	237	167Gold Star Family distinctive plate. Said button shall not be an eligibility requirement for those
238	238	168who have presented other satisfactory evidence of their status, as determined by the registrar.
239	239	169 (o) Under any special recognition or status recognized in this section, the widowed
240	240	170person may not be compelled to surrender their distinctive plate, emblem or decal unless they
241	241	171remarry, cancel or fail to renew registration. If the deceased person was entitled to recognition
242	242	172under any portion of this section but did not apply for special status under this section, the
243	243	173widowed person may nonetheless apply in the stead of their deceased spouse.
244	244	174 (p) Any special status under this section shall entitle the bearer to only one special plate,
245	245	175emblem, or decal. However, such person may, at their option, have the distinctive plate, emblem,
246	246	176or decal issued in a form suitable for use on a motorcycle rather than a passenger car.
247	247	177 (q) Any plate to which an individual is entitled under this section shall be issued without
248	248	178fee other than the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles and
249	249	179motorcycles. The registrar may provide individuals the option of paying an additional fee. Any
250	250	180fees generated under this section shall be distributed to the state-operated veterans’ homes on an
251	251	181equal basis, to their special account, up to one-half million dollars for each home. Any excess
252	252	182shall be placed in the special trust fund subject to the control of the secretary of veterans’
253	253	183services. 10 of 27
254	254	184 SECTION 24. Subsection (a) of section 244 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as
255	255	185appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word
256	256	186“commissioner” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- secretary.
257	257	187 SECTION 25. Subsection (b) of said section 244 of said chapter 111, as so appearing, is
258	258	188hereby amended by striking out, in lines 28, 35 and 38, each time it appears, the word
259	259	189“commissioner” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- secretary.
260	260	190 SECTION 26. Subsection (c) of said section 244 of said chapter 111, as so appearing, is
261	261	191hereby amended by striking out, in line 43, the word “department’s” and inserting in place
262	262	192thereof the following words:- executive office’s.
263	263	193 SECTION 27. Said subsection (c) of said section 244 of said chapter 111, as so
264	264	194appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 43, the word “department” and
265	265	195inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
266	266	196 SECTION 28. Section 1 of chapter 115 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
267	267	197amended by striking out, in lines 3 to 4, the words “wife, husband, widow, widower, mother or
268	268	198father” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- spouse, widowed person or parent.
269	269	199 SECTION 29. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
270	270	200amended by striking out, in line 6, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
271	271	201words:- the veteran’s.
272	272	202 SECTION 30. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
273	273	203amended by striking out, in lines 8 to 16, inclusive, the words “such child is attending school for
274	274	204the purpose of completing a regulation high school course or its equivalent, or unless he is 11 of 27
275	275	205mentally or physically unable to support himself, and his disability existed before he attained that
276	276	206age, or unless he is under twenty-three years of age, and is a full-time student at an educational
277	277	207institution which maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and has a regularly organized body
278	278	208of students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are carried on” and inserting
279	279	209in place thereof the following words:- the child meets the criteria established for emancipation
280	280	210pursuant to section 28 of chapter 208 or section 9 of chapter 209C or unless the child is mentally
281	281	211or physically unable to support themselves after attaining the age of 23.
282	282	212 SECTION 31. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
283	283	213amended by striking out, in line 25, the word “his”, each time it appears, and inserting in place
284	284	214thereof the following word:- their.
285	285	215 SECTION 32. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
286	286	216amended by striking out, in line 26, the words “he applies” and inserting in place thereof the
287	287	217following words:- they apply.
288	288	218 SECTION 33. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
289	289	219amended by striking out the definition of “veteran” and inserting in place thereof the following
290	290	220definition:-
291	291	221 “Veteran”, any person who (a) was a veteran as defined in clause Forty-third, section 7 of
292	292	222chapter 4; or (b) served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training purposes, in the
293	293	223armed forces for at least 90 days and whose last discharge or release was under conditions other
294	294	224than dishonorable; or (c) served on active duty, to include active duty solely for training
295	295	225purposes, in the armed forces, and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in
296	296	226such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (d) served in the national guard or as a 12 of 27
297	297	227reservist in any branch of the armed forces, including active duty solely for training purposes,
298	298	228and was awarded a service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions
299	299	229other than dishonorable; or (e) is determined to be a veteran according to the U.S. Department of
300	300	230Veterans Affairs; provided that, in any case, the service of such person was entered into or
301	301	231served in Massachusetts, or such person has resided in the commonwealth for 1 day except for
302	302	232the purpose of determining the residential eligibility of a deceased veteran’s dependents.
303	303	233 SECTION 34. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
304	304	234amended by striking out, in lines 54 to 55, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of section
305	305	235seven of chapter four,”.
306	306	236 SECTION 35. Section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
307	307	237striking out, in lines 1 to 2, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of
308	308	238chapter four,”.
309	309	239 SECTION 36. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
310	310	240amended by striking out, in lines 7, 20, 39, 45 and 98, each time it appears, the word “his” and
311	311	241inserting in place thereof the following word:- the.
312	312	242 SECTION 37. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
313	313	243amended by striking out, in lines 8, 12, 20, 66, 75, 103, 123, 131, 139 and 150, each time it
314	314	244appears, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- The secretary.
315	315	245 SECTION 38. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
316	316	246amended by striking out, in lines 12, 63, 71, 89, 98, 113, 118 and 119, each time it appears, the
317	317	247word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the secretary. 13 of 27
318	318	248 SECTION 39. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
319	319	249amended by striking out, in lines 13, 14, 61, 76, 118, 125, 129, 134 and 142, each time it
320	320	250appears, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the secretary.
321	321	251 SECTION 40. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
322	322	252amended by striking out the sixth paragraph.
323	323	253 SECTION 41. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
324	324	254amended by striking out, in lines 153 and 156, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting
325	325	255in place thereof the following word:- a.
326	326	256 SECTION 42. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
327	327	257amended by striking out, in line 155, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
328	328	258following word:- chairperson.
329	329	259 SECTION 43. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
330	330	260amended by adding the following 3 paragraphs:-
331	331	261 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a medical assistance benefit over
332	332	262and above other benefits under this chapter. A recipient of the medical assistance benefit shall,
333	333	263where applicable, make use of private, state or federally funded resources before seeking aid
334	334	264under this chapter. The medical assistance benefit shall include but not be limited to covering the
335	335	265cost of those necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and costs. The secretary shall,
336	336	266by regulation or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
337	337	267 The secretary shall provide, subject to the appropriation, a behavioral health assistance
338	338	268benefit over and above other benefits under this chapter. A recipient of the behavioral health 14 of 27
339	339	269assistance benefit shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally funded
340	340	270resources before seeking aid under this chapter. The behavioral health assistance benefit shall
341	341	271include but not be limited to covering the cost of those necessary outpatient behavioral health
342	342	272assessments, evaluations, visits, prescriptions, costs and other such treatment as the secretary
343	343	273shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, make
344	344	274provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
345	345	275 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a dental assistance benefit over and
346	346	276above other benefits under this chapter. A recipient of the dental assistance benefit shall, where
347	347	277applicable, make use of private, state or federally funded resources before seeking aid under this
348	348	278chapter. The dental assistance benefit shall include but not be limited to covering the cost of
349	349	279those necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and costs. The secretary shall, by
350	350	280regulation or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
351	351	281 SECTION 44. Section 2B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
352	352	282striking out, in lines 7 and 8, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof
353	353	283the following word:- a.
354	354	284 SECTION 45. Section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
355	355	285striking out, in line 17, the following word:- his.
356	356	286 SECTION 46. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
357	357	287amended by striking out, in line 18, the following words:- civil war.
358	358	288 SECTION 47. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
359	359	289amended by striking out, in lines 18 to 19, the words “his wife or widow” and inserting in place
360	360	290thereof the following words:- a veteran’s spouse or widowed person. 15 of 27
361	361	291 SECTION 48. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
362	362	292amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
363	363	293words:- the secretary.
364	364	294 SECTION 49. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
365	365	295amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
366	366	296words:- the agent’s.
367	367	297 SECTION 50. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
368	368	298amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
369	369	299words:- the veteran.
370	370	300 SECTION 51. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
371	371	301striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the
372	372	302veteran’s.
373	373	303 SECTION 52. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
374	374	304amended by striking out, in lines 25 and 27, each time it appears, the word “him” and inserting in
375	375	305place thereof the following words:- the agent.
376	376	306 SECTION 53. Section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
377	377	307striking out, in lines 4, 5 and 8, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof
378	378	308the following word:- the.
379	379	309 SECTION 54. Said section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
380	380	310amended by striking out, in line 14, the word “widow” and inserting in place thereof the
381	381	311following words:- widowed person. 16 of 27
382	382	312 SECTION 55. Said section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
383	383	313amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
384	384	314word:- their.
385	385	315 SECTION 56. Section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
386	386	316striking out, in line 2, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the
387	387	317veteran.
388	388	318 SECTION 57. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
389	389	319amended by striking out, in line 3, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
390	390	320word:- they.
391	391	321 SECTION 58. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
392	392	322amended by striking out, in lines 4, 7, 16, 25, 26, 43, 45, 51, 54, 59, 62, 63 and 66, each time it
393	393	323appears, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- their.
394	394	324 SECTION 59. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
395	395	325amended by striking out, in lines 5 to 10, the words “unless he has actually resided within the
396	396	326commonwealth continuously for three years next preceding the date of his application for such
397	397	327benefits, nor unless the veteran of whom he is a dependent has actually resided within the
398	398	328commonwealth continuously for three years next preceding the date of such dependent’s
399	399	329application for such benefits” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- except upon
400	400	330like terms.
401	401	331 SECTION 60. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
402	402	332amended by striking out, in lines 22 and 27, each time it appears, the word “him” and inserting in
403	403	333place thereof the following word:- them. 17 of 27
404	404	334 SECTION 61. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
405	405	335amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “himself” and inserting in place thereof the
406	406	336following word:- themselves.
407	407	337 SECTION 62. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
408	408	338amended by striking out in lines 39 and 54, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the
409	409	339following words:- the veteran’s.
410	410	340 SECTION 63. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
411	411	341amended by striking out, in line 42, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
412	412	342words:- the secretary’s.
413	413	343 SECTION 64. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
414	414	344amended by striking out, in line 55, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
415	415	345words:- the veteran.
416	416	346 SECTION 65. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
417	417	347amended by striking out, in line 57, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
418	418	348words:- the veteran.
419	419	349 SECTION 66. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
420	420	350amended by striking out, in line 59, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following
421	421	351word:- They.
422	422	352 SECTION 67. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
423	423	353amended by striking out, in line 61, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
424	424	354word:- they. 18 of 27
425	425	355 SECTION 68. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
426	426	356amended by striking out, in line 74, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
427	427	357words:- them.
428	428	358 SECTION 69. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
429	429	359amended by striking out, in line 92, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
430	430	360words:- the veterans’ agent’s.
431	431	361 SECTION 70. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
432	432	362amended by striking out, in lines 95, 99 and 103, each time it appears, the word “mother” and
433	433	363inserting in place thereof the following word:- parent.
434	434	364 SECTION 71. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
435	435	365amended by striking out, in line 100, the word “her” and inserting in place thereof the following
436	436	366words:- the parent’s own.
437	437	367 SECTION 72. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
438	438	368amended by striking out, in lines 102 and 103, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting
439	439	369in place thereof the following words:- the veteran’s.
440	440	370 SECTION 73. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
441	441	371amended by striking out, in line 106, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
442	442	372words:- the secretary.
443	443	373 SECTION 74. The seventh paragraph of said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so
444	444	374appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- An increase in income from a
445	445	375cost-of-living adjustment made to social security, supplemental security income or social 19 of 27
446	446	376security disability insurance shall not serve to render any recipient ineligible for benefits under
447	447	377this chapter in the year that the cost-of-living adjustment was issued.
448	448	378 SECTION 75. Section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
449	449	379striking out, in lines 2, 8, 11, 40, 57, 60, and 63 to 64, each time they appear, the words “mother
450	450	380or father” and inserting in place thereof the following word:- parent.
451	451	381 SECTION 76. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
452	452	382amended by striking out, in lines 16 to 17, the words “mother’s or father’s” and inserting in place
453	453	383thereof the following word:- parent’s.
454	454	384 SECTION 77. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
455	455	385amended by striking out, in line 33, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
456	456	386word:- them.
457	457	387 SECTION 78. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
458	458	388amended by striking out, in line 41, the words “in his” and inserting in place thereof the
459	459	389following words:- within their.
460	460	390 SECTION 79. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
461	461	391amended by striking out, in line 45, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
462	462	392words:- the secretary’s.
463	463	393 SECTION 80. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
464	464	394amended by striking out, in lines 47 to 48, the words “the petition in his own name” and inserting
465	465	395in place thereof the following words:- a petition. 20 of 27
466	466	396 SECTION 81. Section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
467	467	397striking out, in line 3, the word “him”.
468	468	398 SECTION 82. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
469	469	399amended by striking out, in line 12, each time it appears, the word “him” and inserting in place
470	470	400thereof the following words:- the secretary.
471	471	401 SECTION 83. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
472	472	402amended by striking out, in lines 15 and 19, each time it appears, the word “he” and inserting in
473	473	403place thereof the following words:- the secretary.
474	474	404 SECTION 84. Section 6A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby repealed.
475	475	405 SECTION 85. Section 6B of chapter 115 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
476	476	406Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 19, 28 and 35, each time it appears,
477	477	407the figure “2,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2,250.
478	478	408 SECTION 86. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
479	479	409amended by striking out, in lines 19, 28 and 35, each time it appears, the figure “2,250” and
480	480	410inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 2,500.
481	481	411 SECTION 87. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
482	482	412amended by striking out, in lines 21 and 30, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting in
483	483	413place thereof the following words:- the veteran’s.
484	484	414 SECTION 88. Section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
485	485	415striking out, in line 4, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- The
486	486	416burial agent. 21 of 27
487	487	417 SECTION 89. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
488	488	418amended by striking out, in line 8, the words “his wife, or his widow” and inserting in place
489	489	419thereof the following words:- spouse, or widowed person.
490	490	420 SECTION 90. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
491	491	421amended by striking out, in line 10, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
492	492	422words:- the burial agent.
493	493	423 SECTION 91. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
494	494	424amended by striking out, in lines 12 and 14, each time it appears, the word “he” and inserting in
495	495	425place thereof the following words:- the burial agent.
496	496	426 SECTION 92. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
497	497	427amended by striking out, in line 17, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
498	498	428word:- their.
499	499	429 SECTION 93. Section 8 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
500	500	430striking out, in line 23, the words “widow, or widower” and inserting in place thereof the
501	501	431following words:- widowed person.
502	502	432 SECTION 94. Section 9 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
503	503	433striking out, in line 3, the words “, as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of chapter
504	504	434four,”.
505	505	435 SECTION 95. Said chapter 115 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended
506	506	436by inserting after Section 9 the following section:- 22 of 27
507	507	437 Section 9A. The executive office of veterans’ services shall have the authority to operate,
508	508	438maintain and expand the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery located in Agawam and
509	509	439the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery located in Winchendon, and may add new
510	510	440locations, subject to the availability of funds, to meet veterans and dependents’ needs. This
511	511	441authority includes, but is not limited to, the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery grounds,
512	512	442facilities and infrastructure, the burial and interment services in accordance with established
513	513	443federal protocols and regulations and the overall management and administration of the
514	514	444cemeteries. The executive office may adopt additional rules, regulations and policies as
515	515	445necessary to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure the proper functioning of the cemeteries under
516	516	446its control.
517	517	447 SECTION 96. Section 10 of chapter 115 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
518	518	448Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 23, the word “his” and inserting in
519	519	449place thereof the following word:- their.
520	520	450 SECTION 97. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
521	521	451amended by striking out, in lines 31 and 32, the words “duties of his office” and inserting in
522	522	452place thereof the following words:- office’s duties.
523	523	453 SECTION 98. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
524	524	454amended by striking out, in line 32, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
525	525	455word:- the.
526	526	456 SECTION 99. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
527	527	457amended by striking out, in line 37, the words “his duties as treasurer of the district” and
528	528	458inserting in place thereof the following words:- the district treasurer’s duties. 23 of 27
529	529	459 SECTION 100. Section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
530	530	460striking out, in lines 2 and 5, each time it appears, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof
531	531	461the following word:- their.
532	532	462 SECTION 101. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
533	533	463amended by striking out, in lines 3 to 4, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
534	534	464following word:- chairperson.
535	535	465 SECTION 102. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
536	536	466amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
537	537	467word:- the.
538	538	468 SECTION 103. Section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
539	539	469striking out, in line 4, the words “he, and his duly accredited agents,” and inserting in place
540	540	470thereof the following words: they and their agents.
541	541	471 SECTION 104. Said section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
542	542	472amended by striking out, in line 11, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
543	543	473word:- a.
544	544	474 SECTION 105. Section 16 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
545	545	475inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:- The veterans equality review board
546	546	476shall also ensure that veterans who received an other than honorable discharge because of sex,
547	547	477race, color, religious creed, national origin, age, genetic information, ancestry, marital status,
548	548	478disability or any U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs category eligible for upgrade, including,
549	549	479but not limited to, mental health conditions, military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury,
550	550	480receive state-based veteran benefits. 24 of 27
551	551	481 SECTION 106. Section 9 of chapter 115A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
552	552	482hereby amended by striking out, in line 3, the words “home in the city of Chelsea” and inserting
553	553	483in place thereof the following word:- homes.
554	554	484 SECTION 107. Section 3 of chapter 115B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
555	555	485hereby amended by striking out, in line 16, the words “home in the city of Chelsea; and the chair
556	556	486of the board of trustees of the veterans’ home in the city of Holyoke” and inserting in place
557	557	487thereof the following word:- homes.
558	558	488 SECTION 108. Subsection (c) of section 73B of chapter 272 of the General Laws, as so
559	559	489appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 18 and 23, each time it appears, the word
560	560	490“department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
561	561	491 SECTION 109. Section 11 of chapter 276A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
562	562	492hereby amended by striking out, in lines 6 and 13, each time it appears, the word “department”
563	563	493and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
564	564	494 SECTION 110. Section 3 of chapter 71 of the acts of 1996, as amended by section 2 of
565	565	495chapter 468 of the acts of 2002, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph.
566	566	496 SECTION 111. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, any member
567	567	497of a retirement system who is a member in service and a veteran who failed to make the purchase
568	568	498authorized in paragraph (h) of subdivision (1) of section 4 of chapter 32 of the General Laws
569	569	499within the required 180 days pursuant to chapter 71 of the acts of 1996, as amended, shall be
570	570	500given a 1-time opportunity to apply to the retirement system to make said purchase within 1
571	571	501years from the effective date of this act. Each retirement system shall provide written notice to 25 of 27
572	572	502all members in service of their potential eligibility for this purchase within 90 days of the
573	573	503effective date of this act.
574	574	504 SECTION 112. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the secretary
575	575	505of veterans’ services, in coordination with the executive office of health and human services,
576	576	506shall convene a working group to review alternative therapies for mental health treatments for
577	577	507veterans. The working group shall: (i) study whether psychedelic therapy is associated with
578	578	508improved outcomes among veterans with diagnosed mental health disorders; (ii) evaluate
579	579	509literature, research trials and expert opinions to determine if psychedelic therapy is associated
580	580	510with improved outcomes regarding mental health treatment for veterans; and (iii) issue
581	581	511recommendations regarding the provision of psychedelic therapy to treat veterans with mental
582	582	512health disorders in Massachusetts. As used in this section, “psychedelic therapy” shall mean the
583	583	513use of psilocybin, ketamine, or 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, under the direction of a
584	584	514health care provider, to treat mental health disorders.
585	585	515 The secretary shall appoint the following members of the working group: 2 members who
586	586	516shall represent medical centers or hospitals in Massachusetts that serve veterans; 2 members who
587	587	517shall represent health insurance companies; 2 members who shall represent veteran-services
588	588	518organizations; 1 member who shall represent an organization currently studying this subject
589	589	519matter; and such other members as the secretary deems necessary. The members of the working
590	590	520group shall have experience in behavioral health or veteran services. The secretary may
591	591	521designate a chair of the working group.
592	592	522 Not later than January 1, 2025, the working group shall file a report of its findings and
593	593	523any recommendations with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint 26 of 27
594	594	524committee on veterans and federal affairs, and the joint committee on mental health, substance
595	595	525use and recovery.
596	596	526 SECTION 113. (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the
597	597	527executive office of veterans’ services shall administer a 2-year pilot program to offer
598	598	528reimbursement to veterans who: (i) have a service-related injury that necessitates treatment for
599	599	529infertility through in vitro fertilization; (ii) reside in the commonwealth; and (iii) would
600	600	530otherwise be eligible to receive coverage for that treatment by the U.S. Department of Veterans
601	601	531Affairs but have been denied coverage solely due to being married to a spouse of the same sex.
602	602	532 (b) Eligible veterans seeking coverage under this section shall submit appropriate
603	603	533documentation, as the executive office requires, which may include, but not be limited to, proof
604	604	534of denial of coverage from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and medical documentation
605	605	535supporting the need for treatment. Any information provided under this section to the executive
606	606	536office shall be held confidential consistent with federal and state law.
607	607	537 (c) The executive office may contract with a vendor to facilitate the program and develop
608	608	538policies or procedures required for the administration of this section.
609	609	539 (d) There shall be a working group to review and advise the executive office on the pilot
610	610	540program. The secretary of the executive office of veterans’ services shall assess and determine
611	611	541who will be on the working group, and at least one member shall be a veteran who shall
612	612	542represent the interest of same sex couples.
613	613	543 The working group shall advise on matters including, but not limited to, the following: (i)
614	614	544the implementation of the pilot program; (ii) the potential long-term funding strategies to provide
615	615	545reimbursement for in vitro fertilization for the population of veterans described in subsection (a); 27 of 27
616	616	546and (iii) any additional areas where veterans receive disparate access to health care services from
617	617	547the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not limited to sexual orientation or marital status.
618	618	548 (e) Not later than 3 months after the conclusion of the pilot program, the executive office
619	619	549shall post a report on its website which describes the activities of the pilot program and all the
620	620	550working group’s recommendations.
621	621	551 SECTION 114. Sections 43 and 85 shall take effect as of July 1, 2024.
622	622	552 SECTION 115. Section 86 shall take effect as of July 1, 2025.
623	623	553 SECTION 116. Sections 15 and 17 through 23, inclusive, shall take effect 6 months from
624	624	554the effective date of this act.