Massachusetts House Bill H4172

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/13/23
• Refer: 11/13/23
• Refer: 5/6/24
• Refer: 5/15/24
• Report Pass: 5/22/24
• Refer: 5/22/24

Caption

Honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans

Impact

If enacted, H4172 would significantly improve the lives of many veterans by modernizing the language around veterans’ benefits to ensure inclusivity and representation. The amendments would harmonize Massachusetts law with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ definitions, allowing a broader group of individuals to access state veteran benefits. Provisions to reimburse in vitro fertilization costs for same-sex female veterans under specific conditions represent a considerable stride towards inclusivity and acknowledgment of diverse family structures among service members.

Summary

House Bill 4172, titled 'An Act Honoring, Empowering, and Recognizing our Servicemembers and Veterans', aims to enhance the support and benefits provided to veterans within Massachusetts. The bill proposes several amendments to existing veterans' laws, including increasing the annuity for disabled veterans and their families, expanding reimbursement options for behavioral health services, and raising tax credits for employers hiring veterans. Additionally, cities and towns would be permitted to increase property tax exemptions tied to inflation for veterans, thus easing their financial burden.

Contention

However, discussions surrounding the bill may reveal points of contention primarily related to the financial implications of these expanded benefits. Increased tax credits and exemptions might raise concerns among local governments regarding the sustainability of funding these measures. Additionally, tension may arise regarding the pilot program studying the health benefits of psychedelics for treating veterans' mental health—a topic that may invoke varied opinions concerning treatment methods for veterans recovering from service-related issues.