Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2817 Compare Versions

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

Old	New	Differences
1	1	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2817
2	2	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
3	3	_______________
4	4	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
5	5	(2023-2024)
6	6	_______________
7	7	SENATE, June 10, 2024.
8	8	The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the House Bill
9	9	honoring, empowering, and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (House, No. 4671);
10	10	reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment striking out all after the
11	11	enacting clause and inserting in place thereof the text of Senate document numbered 2817.
12	12	For the committee,
13	13	Michael J. Rodrigues 2 of 30
14	14	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2817
15	15	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
16	16	_______________
17	17	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
18	18	(2023-2024)
19	19	_______________
20	20	1 SECTION 1. Section 34 of chapter 2 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
21	21	2Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word “department” and
22	22	3inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
23	23	4 SECTION 2. Section 41 of chapter 6 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
24	24	5amended by striking out, in lines 47 and 94, the word “department” and inserting in place
25	25	6thereof, in each instance, the following words:- executive office.
26	26	7 SECTION 3. Subsection (d) of section 16DD of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as so
27	27	8appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 29, the second time it appears, the word
28	28	9“department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
29	29	10 SECTION 4. Section 105 of said chapter 6A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
30	30	11striking out, in line 1, the words “a department” and inserting in place thereof the following
31	31	12words:- an executive office.
32	32	13 SECTION 5. Section 4G of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
33	33	14amended by striking out, in lines 7 and 8, the words “the department of veterans’ services,”. 3 of 30
34	34	15 SECTION 6. Section 61 of said chapter 7 is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 124
35	35	16and 125, as so appearing, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the following
36	36	17words:- executive office.
37	37	18 SECTION 7. Section 78 of chapter 10 of the General Laws is hereby amended by
38	38	19inserting after the word "Reserve", in line 11, as so appearing, the following words:- , United
39	39	20States Space Force.
40	40	21 SECTION 8. Section 17 of chapter 11 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
41	41	22amended by striking out, in line 21, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
42	42	23following words:- executive office.
43	43	24 SECTION 9. Section 1G of chapter 15 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
44	44	25amended by inserting after the word “students”, in line 86, the following words:- , including
45	45	26military-connected students.
46	46	27 SECTION 10. Chapter 15D of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after
47	47	28section 7 the following section:-
48	48	29 Section 7A. For the purposes of this section, “military installation” shall mean a base,
49	49	30camp, post, station, yard, center or other activity under the jurisdiction of the secretary of a
50	50	31United States military department or, in the case of an activity in a foreign country, under the
51	51	32operational control of the secretary of a United States military department or the United States
52	52	33Secretary of Defense, regardless of the duration of operational control.
53	53	34 Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, sections 6
54	54	35and 7 shall not apply to a child care provider on a military installation or a facility licensed or 4 of 30
55	55	36certified as a family child care provider by a branch of the United States Department of Defense
56	56	37or by the United States Coast Guard.
57	57	38 SECTION 11. Section 1 of chapter 15E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
58	58	39Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 6, the word “sections” and inserting
59	59	40in place thereof the following word:- chapters.
60	60	41 SECTION 12. Said section 1 of said chapter 15E, as so appearing, is hereby further
61	61	42amended by inserting after the word “Force”, in line 69, the following words:- , Space Force.
62	62	43 SECTION 13. Section 2EEEEE of chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
63	63	44hereby amended by striking out, in line 14, the words “department of veterans” and inserting in
64	64	45place thereof the following words:- executive office of veterans’.
65	65	46 SECTION 14. Section 49 of chapter 31 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
66	66	47amended by striking out, in lines 14 and 15, the words “home in the city of Chelsea” and
67	67	48inserting in place thereof the following word:- homes.
68	68	49 SECTION 15. Paragraph (h) of subdivision (1) of section 4 of chapter 32 of the General
69	69	50Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the fourth subparagraph and inserting
70	70	51in place thereof the following subparagraph:-
71	71	52 Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other general or special law, rule or
72	72	53regulation to the contrary, a member in service of a retirement system as defined in section 1
73	73	54shall be provided written notice by the retirement board upon entry into service that if they
74	74	55qualify as a veteran who served in the armed forces of the United States, they shall be entitled to
75	75	56credit for active service in the armed services of the United States; provided, however, that such 5 of 30
76	76	57active service shall not be credited until such member, prior to or within 1 year of vesting
77	77	58pursuant to this chapter, has paid into the annuity savings fund of such system, in 1 sum or in
78	78	59installments, upon such terms and conditions as the board may prescribe, makeup payments, for
79	79	60each year of creditable service sought, of an amount equal to 10 per cent of the regular annual
80	80	61compensation of the member when said member entered the retirement system; provided further,
81	81	62that such creditable service shall not be construed to include service for more than 4 years; and
82	82	63provided further, that such creditable service shall not be allowed for any period of active service
83	83	64for which said veteran has received credit pursuant to this paragraph. This paragraph shall apply
84	84	65to national guard and active reserve personnel, both former and present. Creditable service time,
85	85	66both enlisted and commissioned, may be applied toward retirement on a ratio of 5 years of
86	86	67national guard service or 5 years of active reserve service substitutable for each year of active
87	87	68service. National guard and active reserve personnel shall not be precluded from making said
88	88	69purchase if they qualify as a veteran after vesting or if they reach the maximum of 4 years of
89	89	70eligible service purchase after vesting and qualifying as a veteran; provided, however, that they
90	90	71enter into a purchase agreement within 5 years of the last occurring event.
91	91	72 SECTION 16. Section 15 of chapter 33 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
92	92	73amended by adding the following paragraph:-
93	93	74 (j) There shall be a military spouse liaison appointed by the adjutant general who shall
94	94	75conduct outreach to and advocate on behalf of military spouses residing in the commonwealth.
95	95	76The duties of the military spouse liaison shall include, but not be limited to: (i) providing
96	96	77assistance and information to military spouses seeking professional licenses and credentials or
97	97	78other employment the commonwealth; (ii) coordinating research on issues facing military
98	98	79spouses; (iii) creating informational materials to assist military spouses and their families; (iv) 6 of 30
99	99	80providing recommendations to assist spouses in accessing high quality child care; (v) developing
100	100	81resources in coordination with military installations to increase access to high quality child care
101	101	82for military families; and (vi) assisting military spouses with finding employment in relevant
102	102	83sectors.
103	103	84 SECTION 17. Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
104	104	85amended by inserting after clause Twenty-second H the following 2 clauses:-
105	105	86 Twenty-second I. In a city or town that accepts this clause and is certified by the
106	106	87commissioner of revenue to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, an abatement
107	107	88granted pursuant clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C,
108	108	89Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be increased annually by an amount equal to the
109	109	90increase in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index for such year. The
110	110	91department of revenue shall annually inform each city or town that accepts this clause of the
111	111	92amount of such increase.
112	112	93 Twenty-second J. In a city or town that accepts this clause and is certified by the
113	113	94commissioner of revenue to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, a taxpayer
114	114	95who otherwise qualifies for an exemption pursuant to clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A,
115	115	96Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be granted an
116	116	97additional exemption the amount of which shall not exceed 100 per cent of the exemption for
117	117	98which the taxpayer qualifies, as may be determined by the legislative body of the city or town,
118	118	99subject to its charter, not later than the beginning of the fiscal year to which the additional
119	119	100exemption shall commence; provided, however, that the additional exemption shall be uniform
120	120	101for all taxpayers who qualify for an exemption under said clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second 7 of 30
121	121	102A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F. Once accepted,
122	122	103the amount of the exemption shall continue until amended by the legislative body of the city or
123	123	104town. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the exemption shall be in
124	124	105addition to any exemption allowable pursuant to this section; provided, however, the taxable
125	125	106valuation of the property receiving an exemption pursuant to this clause, after all applicable
126	126	107exemptions, shall not be reduced below 10 per cent of its full and fair cash valuation, except
127	127	108through the applicability of clause Eighteenth. Acceptance of this clause by a city or town shall
128	128	109not increase the amount that the city or town otherwise would have been reimbursed by the
129	129	110commonwealth pursuant to the clause. The additional exemption contained within this clause
130	130	111shall not be implemented in any year in which the city or town has also accepted section 5C1/2.
131	131	112 SECTION 18. Subsection (u) of section 6 of chapter 62 of the General Laws, as so
132	132	113appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 1113 and 1130, the figure “$2,000” and
133	133	114inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500.
134	134	115 SECTION 19. Section 38GG of chapter 63 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
135	135	116hereby amended by striking out, in lines 8 and 24, the figure “$2,000” and inserting in place
136	136	117thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500.
137	137	118 SECTION 20. Section 6 of chapter 64H of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
138	138	119amended by striking out subsection (u) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-
139	139	120 (u) Sale of a motor vehicle purchased by and for the use of a person who has suffered
140	140	121loss, or permanent loss of use, of both legs or both arms or 1 leg and 1 arm or by and for the use
141	141	122of a veteran who has been determined to be permanently disabled by the medical advisory board
142	142	123established under section 8C of chapter 90 and has been issued a plate displaying the words 8 of 30
143	143	124“Disabled Veteran” or a Purple Heart distinctive registration plate pursuant to section 2J of said
144	144	125chapter 90; provided, however, that this exemption shall apply to 1 motor vehicle owned and
145	145	126registered only for the personal, noncommercial use of such person. A person who is otherwise
146	146	127eligible for this exemption and who was previously issued a Purple Heart distinctive registration
147	147	128plate shall not be required to forfeit such plate to remain eligible for this exemption.
148	148	129 SECTION 21. Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the
149	149	130following section:-
150	150	131 Section 38. (a) For the purposes of this section, “military-connected student” shall mean a
151	151	132student who is an unemancipated person whose parent or guardian: (i) is a current or reserve
152	152	133member of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United
153	153	134States Coast Guard, United States Space Force, Army Nurse Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, United
154	154	135States Air Force, Air National Guard or Army National Guard; or (ii) a member of a military or
155	155	136reserve force under clause (i) who was killed in the line of duty.
156	156	137 (b) A school district shall provide appropriate support services to a military-connected
157	157	138student if their parent or guardian is called or ordered to active duty pursuant to Title 10 or 32 of
158	158	139the United States Code and said parent or guardian notifies the district of such active duty or a
159	159	140student’s parent or guardian is a member of a military or reserve force and was killed in the line
160	160	141of duty. The school district shall provide such student with informational materials and resources
161	161	142and access to a: (i) certified school counselor; (ii) certified school psychologist; or (iii) school
162	162	143social worker.
163	163	144 (c) The department shall coordinate with the military division of the commonwealth to
164	164	145carry out subsection (b), including posting information about military family resources to the 9 of 30
165	165	146department’s website and providing informational materials for use by school districts to inform
166	166	147parents and guardians of the supports available under said subsection (b).
167	167	148 (d) A school district may notify a teacher of the enrollment of a military-connected
168	168	149student at the request of the military-connected student’s parent or guardian to provide the
169	169	150teacher with the opportunity to monitor a military-connected student’s level of academic
170	170	151engagement and provide support as needed.
171	171	152 SECTION 22. Section 4 of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
172	172	153Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 32, the word “department”, the
173	173	154second time it appears, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
174	174	155 SECTION 23. Said section 4 of said chapter 71, as so appearing, is hereby further
175	175	156amended by striking out, in line 39, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
176	176	157following words:- executive office.
177	177	158 SECTION 24. Section 2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking
178	178	159out, in lines 172 to 186, inclusive, as so appearing, the words “pleasure passenger vehicles
179	179	160owned by veterans who, according to the records of the United States Veterans’ Administration,
180	180	161has been determined to have a service-connected disability rating of 60 per cent or greater and by
181	181	162reason of service in the armed forces of the United States have suffered loss or permanent loss of
182	182	163use of one or both feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent
183	183	164impairment of vision of both eyes of the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less
184	184	165in the better eye, with corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a
185	185	166field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter
186	186	167of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than twenty degrees in the better eye, or 10 of 30
187	187	168any other disability or handicap of such veterans which may be determined by the medical
188	188	169advisory board as established by section eight C, and”.
189	189	170 SECTION 25. The seventh paragraph of said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so
190	190	171appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the third and fourth sentences.
191	191	172 SECTION 26. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking
192	192	173out, in lines 246 to 258, inclusive, as so appearing, the words “and the words “Disabled Veteran”
193	193	174for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pick-up truck owned or leased by and used by a veteran
194	194	175who, according to the records of the United States Veterans’ Administration, by reason of service
195	195	176in the armed forces of the United States has suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both
196	196	177feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of
197	197	178both eyes of the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with
198	198	179corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which
199	199	180the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field
200	200	181subtends an angular distance no greater that 20 degrees in the better eye, or any other disability
201	201	182or handicap”.
202	202	183 SECTION 27. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
203	203	184the twelfth paragraph, as so appearing.
204	204	185 SECTION 28. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
205	205	186the fifteenth to seventeenth paragraphs, inclusive, as so appearing.
206	206	187 SECTION 29. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
207	207	188the nineteenth to twenty-second paragraphs, inclusive, as so appearing. 11 of 30
208	208	189 SECTION 30. Said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2I the
209	209	190following section:-
210	210	191 Section 2J. (a) The registrar shall design and maintain a series of distinct and individual
211	211	192license plates recognizing those who have served in the military and for those who deserve
212	212	193special recognition relating to or deriving from military service as provided herein.
213	213	194 (b) An individual that meets the definition of a veteran under clause forty-third of section
214	214	1957 of chapter 4 or section 1 of chapter 115 or who is eligible for annuity provided under section
215	215	1966C of said chapter 115, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status as determined
216	216	197by the registrar, shall be eligible for and entitled to a veteran license plate bearing the words
217	217	198“VETERAN”.
218	218	199 (c) The series of distinct and individual license plates recognizing those who have served
219	219	200in the military and for those who deserve special recognition relating to or deriving from military
220	220	201service shall include license plates for:
221	221	202 (i) veterans ranked with a disability rating of not less than 60 per cent by the United
222	222	203States Department of Veterans Affairs, including those who have suffered the loss of a limb,
223	223	204permanent visual acuity loss of 20/200 in an eye, or are otherwise determined to be disabled or
224	224	205handicapped by the medical advisory board established in section 8C;
225	225	206 (ii) veterans who have been captured and incarcerated by foreign forces in conflict or
226	226	207held as prisoners of war;
227	227	208 (iii) veterans who are members of the Legion of Valor of the United States of America
228	228	209Inc.; 12 of 30
229	229	210 (iv) veterans awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor shall be entitled to a distinctive
230	230	211plate recognizing that status, including, subject to availability, the use of the initials of the award
231	231	212recipient followed by CMH signifying their award.
232	232	213 (v) veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
233	233	214indicating that status which shall include the words “COMBAT WOUNDED”;
234	234	215 (vi) survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
235	235	216reflecting that status and bearing the word “VETERAN”;
236	236	217 (vii) residents of the commonwealth serving in any branch of the national guard shall be
237	237	218entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status;
238	238	219 (viii) residents of the commonwealth awarded the medal of liberty pursuant to section
239	239	22067A of chapter 33 shall be entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status; and
240	240	221 (ix) The next of kin of a member of the armed forces, in possession of a Gold Star Lapel
241	241	222Button under the regulations of the United States Secretary of Defense, shall be entitled to a
242	242	223Gold Star Family distinctive plate. Said button shall not be an eligibility requirement for those
243	243	224who have presented other satisfactory evidence of their status, as determined by the registrar.
244	244	225 (d) A veteran who has served in the armed forces and is entitled to a veteran license plate
245	245	226shall also be entitled to the issuance of a decal or emblem denoting their branch of service.
246	246	227Residents of the commonwealth who are veterans and who identify as female shall be entitled to
247	247	228a distinctive decal or emblem, which the registry of motor vehicles shall design and issue.
248	248	229 (e) The following individuals shall be entitled to a distinctive plate, decal or emblem
249	249	230denoting their award status: 13 of 30
250	250	231 (i) owners of private vehicles awarded 1 of the following decorations for valor or
251	251	232gallantry: (i) the Silver Star; (ii) the Bronze Star; (iii) the Distinguished Flying Cross; (iv) the
252	252	233Distinguished Service Cross; (v) the Navy Cross; (vi) the Air Force Cross; or (vii) any other
253	253	234similar award designated by the secretary of veterans’ services; and
254	254	235 (ii) residents of the commonwealth who qualify as a Gold Star parent, child, sibling,
255	255	236grandchild or spouse.
256	256	237 (f) Veterans entitled to a distinctive plate shall be entitled to have a distinctive emblem or
257	257	238decal reflecting service in Operation Enduring Freedom or the receipt of the Iraq Campaign
258	258	239Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Persian Gulf Campaign Ribbon, the Armed Forces
259	259	240Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal,
260	260	241the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Kosovo
261	261	242Campaign Medal or the Prisoner of War Medal.
262	262	243 (g) A person who is widowed by a veteran who received any special recognition or status
263	263	244pursuant to this section shall not be required to forfeit their distinctive license plate, decal or
264	264	245emblem unless they cancel or fail to renew the registration for said license plate. If a veteran was
265	265	246eligible for special recognition or status under this section but did not apply for such special
266	266	247recognition or status before their death, the person widowed by said deceased veteran may apply
267	267	248on behalf of the deceased veteran for special recognition or status pursuant to this section.
268	268	249 (h) Special recognition or status pursuant to this section shall entitle the recipient to not
269	269	250more than 1 distinctive license plate, decal or emblem; provided, however, that such recipient
270	270	251may opt to have the distinctive plate, decal or emblem issued in a form suitable for use on a
271	271	252motorcycle. 14 of 30
272	272	253 (i) Any plate to which an individual is entitled pursuant to this section shall be issued
273	273	254without fee other than the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles and
274	274	255motorcycles. State-operated veterans’ homes shall be reimbursed annually from the General
275	275	256Fund for any loss of revenue for any license plate, decal or emblem provided free of charge
276	276	257pursuant to this section.
277	277	258 SECTION 31. Section 244 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as inserted by section 14
278	278	259of chapter 154 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 2, 28, the second
279	279	260time it appears, 35 and 38, the word “commissioner” and inserting in place thereof, in each
280	280	261instance, the following word:- secretary.
281	281	262 SECTION 32. Said section 244 of said chapter 111, as so inserted, is hereby further
282	282	263amended by striking out, in line 43, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
283	283	264following words:- executive office.
284	284	265 SECTION 33. Section 1 of chapter 115 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
285	285	266Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the definition of “'Dependent” and inserting
286	286	267in place thereof the following definition:-
287	287	268 “Dependent”, the spouse, widowed person, child or parent of a veteran, including any
288	288	269person who stood in the relationship of a parent to such veteran for the 5 years preceding the
289	289	270commencement of the veteran’s wartime service; provided, however, that no child of a veteran
290	290	271who is more than 18 years of age shall be deemed a dependent, unless the child meets the criteria
291	291	272established for emancipation pursuant to section 28 of chapter 208 or section 9 of chapter 209C
292	292	273or unless the child is mentally or physically unable to support themselves after attaining the age
293	293	274of 23. 15 of 30
294	294	275 SECTION 34. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
295	295	276amended by striking out, in line 25, the word “his”, each time it appears, and inserting in place
296	296	277thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the applicant’s.
297	297	278 SECTION 35. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
298	298	279amended by striking out, in line 26, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
299	299	280words:- the applicant.
300	300	281 SECTION 36. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
301	301	282amended by striking out the definition of “Veteran” and inserting in place thereof the following
302	302	283definition:-
303	303	284 “Veteran”, a person who: (a) is a veteran as defined in clause Forty-third of section 7 of
304	304	285chapter 4; (b) served on active duty in the armed forces for not less than 90 days and whose last
305	305	286discharge or release was under conditions other than dishonorable; (c) served on active duty,
306	306	287including active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces and was awarded a
307	307	288service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than
308	308	289dishonorable; (d) served in the national guard or as a reservist in any branch of the United States
309	309	290Armed Forces, including active duty solely for training purposes, and was awarded a service-
310	310	291connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (e)
311	311	292is determined to be a veteran according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
312	312	293provided, however, that in any case, the service of such person qualified under clause (a) through
313	313	294clause (e), inclusive, was entered into or served in the commonwealth or such person has resided
314	314	295in the commonwealth for not less than 1 day, except for the purpose of determining the
315	315	296residential eligibility of a deceased veteran’s dependents. 16 of 30
316	316	297 SECTION 37. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
317	317	298amended by striking out, in lines 54 and 55, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of
318	318	299section seven of chapter four,”.
319	319	300 SECTION 38. Section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
320	320	301striking out, in lines 1 and 2, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of
321	321	302chapter four”.
322	322	303 SECTION 39. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
323	323	304amended by striking out, in lines 7 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
324	324	305instance, the following word:- the secretary’s.
325	325	306 SECTION 40. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
326	326	307amended by striking out, in lines 8, 12, 20, 66, 82, 103, 123, 131, 139 and 150, the word “He”
327	327	308and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:-The secretary.
328	328	309 SECTION 41. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
329	329	310amended by striking out, in lines 12, 63, 71, 89, 98, 113, 118 and 119, the word “him” and
330	330	311inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary.
331	331	312 SECTION 42. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
332	332	313amended by striking out, in lines 13, 14, 61, 118, 125, 129, 134 and 142, the word “he” and
333	333	314inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary.
334	334	315 SECTION 43. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
335	335	316amended by striking out, in line 39, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
336	336	317words:- the person’s. 17 of 30
337	337	318 SECTION 44. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
338	338	319amended by striking out, in line 45, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
339	339	320words:- a party’s.
340	340	321 SECTION 45. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
341	341	322amended by striking out the sixth paragraph.
342	342	323 SECTION 46. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
343	343	324amended by striking out, in line 82, the words “him or by his” and inserting in place thereof the
344	344	325following words:- the secretary or the secretary’s.
345	345	326 SECTION 47. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
346	346	327amended by striking out, in line 98, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
347	347	328words:- the applicant’s.
348	348	329 SECTION 48. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
349	349	330amended by striking out, in lines 153 and 156, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in
350	350	331each instance, the following word:- a.
351	351	332 SECTION 49. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
352	352	333amended by striking out, in line 155, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
353	353	334following word:- chair.
354	354	335 SECTION 50. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
355	355	336amended by adding the following 3 paragraphs:-
356	356	337 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a medical assistance benefit in
357	357	338addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the medical assistance 18 of 30
358	358	339benefit shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded resources before
359	359	340seeking aid under this paragraph. The medical assistance benefit shall include, but not be limited
360	360	341to, covering the cost of necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and other such
361	361	342treatment as the secretary shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation
362	362	343or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
363	363	344 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a behavioral health assistance
364	364	345benefit in addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the behavioral
365	365	346health assistance benefit shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded
366	366	347resources before seeking aid under this paragraph. The behavioral health assistance benefit shall
367	367	348include, but not be limited to, coverage for the cost of those necessary outpatient behavioral
368	368	349health assessments, evaluations, visits, prescriptions and other such treatment as the secretary
369	369	350shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, make
370	370	351provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
371	371	352 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a dental assistance benefit in
372	372	353addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the dental assistance benefit
373	373	354shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded resources before seeking
374	374	355aid under this paragraph. The dental assistance benefit shall include, but not be limited to,
375	375	356coverage for the cost of those necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and other such
376	376	357treatment as the secretary shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation
377	377	358or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical. 19 of 30
378	378	359 SECTION 51. Section 2B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
379	379	360striking out, in lines 7 and 8, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
380	380	361following word:- a.
381	381	362 SECTION 52. Section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
382	382	363striking out, in line 17, the word “his”.
383	383	364 SECTION 53. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
384	384	365amended by striking out, in line 18, the words “in behalf of a civil war” and inserting in place
385	385	366thereof the following words:- on behalf of a.
386	386	367 SECTION 54. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
387	387	368amended by striking out, in lines 18 and 19, the words “his wife or widow” and inserting in place
388	388	369thereof the following words:- a veteran’s spouse or widowed person.
389	389	370 SECTION 55. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
390	390	371amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
391	391	372words:- the secretary.
392	392	373 SECTION 56. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
393	393	374amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
394	394	375words:- the agent’s.
395	395	376 SECTION 57. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
396	396	377amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
397	397	378words:- the veteran. 20 of 30
398	398	379 SECTION 58. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
399	399	380amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
400	400	381words:- the veteran’s.
401	401	382 SECTION 59. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
402	402	383amended by striking out, in lines 25 and 27, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof, in
403	403	384each instance, the following words:- the agent.
404	404	385 SECTION 60. Section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
405	405	386striking out, in lines 4, 5, 8 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
406	406	387instance, the following words:- the applicants.
407	407	388 SECTION 61. Said section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
408	408	389amended by striking out, in line 14, the word “widow” and inserting in place thereof the
409	409	390following words:- widowed person.
410	410	391 SECTION 62. Section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
411	411	392striking out, in lines 2 and 55, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
412	412	393following words:- the veteran.
413	413	394 SECTION 63. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
414	414	395amended by striking out, in lines 3 to 10, inclusive, the words “unless he has actually resided
415	415	396within the commonwealth for 1 day preceding the date of his application for such benefits, nor to
416	416	397any dependent of a veteran unless he has actually resided within the commonwealth continuously
417	417	398for three years next preceding the date of his application for such benefits, nor unless the veteran
418	418	399of whom he is a dependent has actually resided within the commonwealth continuously for three
419	419	400years next preceding the date of such dependent’s application for such benefits” and inserting in 21 of 30
420	420	401place thereof the following words:- or to a dependent of a veteran unless the veteran or the
421	421	402dependent has actually resided within the commonwealth for 1 day preceding the date of the
422	422	403application for such benefits.
423	423	404 SECTION 64. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
424	424	405amended by striking out, in lines 16, 25, 26, 45, 59, 62, 63, 65 and 66, the word “his” and
425	425	406inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following word:- their.
426	426	407 SECTION 65. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
427	427	408amended by striking out, in lines 22 and 74, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof, in
428	428	409each instance, the following word:- them.
429	429	410 SECTION 66. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
430	430	411amended by striking out, in line 27, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
431	431	412words:- the applicant.
432	432	413 SECTION 67. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
433	433	414amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “himself” and inserting in place thereof the
434	434	415following word:- themselves.
435	435	416 SECTION 68. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
436	436	417amended by striking out in lines 39, 43, 51, 54, 102 and 103, the word “his” and inserting in
437	437	418place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the veteran’s.
438	438	419 SECTION 69. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
439	439	420amended by striking out, in line 42, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
440	440	421words:- the secretary’s. 22 of 30
441	441	422 SECTION 70. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
442	442	423amended by striking out, in line 57, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
443	443	424words:- the veteran.
444	444	425 SECTION 71. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
445	445	426amended by striking out, in line 59, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following
446	446	427word:- They.
447	447	428 SECTION 72. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
448	448	429amended by striking out, in line 61, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
449	449	430word:- they.
450	450	431 SECTION 73. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
451	451	432amended by striking out, in line 92, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
452	452	433words:- the veterans’ agent’s.
453	453	434 SECTION 74. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
454	454	435amended by striking out, in lines 95, 99 and 103, the word “mother” and inserting in place
455	455	436thereof, in each instance, the following word:- parent.
456	456	437 SECTION 75. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
457	457	438amended by striking out, in line 100, the word “her” and inserting in place thereof the following
458	458	439words:- the parent’s.
459	459	440 SECTION 76. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
460	460	441amended by striking out, in line 106, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
461	461	442words:- the secretary. 23 of 30
462	462	443 SECTION 77. The seventh paragraph of said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so
463	463	444appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- An increase in income from a
464	464	445cost-of-living adjustment made to social security, supplemental security income or social
465	465	446security disability insurance shall not render a recipient ineligible for benefits under this chapter
466	466	447in the year that the cost-of-living adjustment was issued.
467	467	448 SECTION 78. Section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
468	468	449striking out, in lines 2, 8, 11, 57, 60 and 63 and 64, the words “mother or father” and inserting in
469	469	450place thereof, in each instance, the following word:- parent.
470	470	451 SECTION 79. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
471	471	452amended by striking out, in lines 16 and 17, the words “mother’s or father’s” and inserting in
472	472	453place thereof the following word:- parent’s.
473	473	454 SECTION 80. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
474	474	455amended by striking out, in line 33, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
475	475	456word:- the person.
476	476	457 SECTION 81. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
477	477	458amended by striking out, in line 40, the words “mother and father” and inserting in place thereof
478	478	459the following word:- parents.
479	479	460 SECTION 82. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
480	480	461amended by striking out, in line 41, the words “in his” and inserting in place thereof the
481	481	462following words:- within the secretary’s. 24 of 30
482	482	463 SECTION 83. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
483	483	464amended by striking out, in line 45, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
484	484	465words:- the secretary’s.
485	485	466 SECTION 84. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
486	486	467amended by striking out, in lines 47 and 48, the words “the petition in his own name” and
487	487	468inserting in place thereof the following words:- a petition.
488	488	469 SECTION 85. Section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
489	489	470striking out, in line 3, the word “him”.
490	490	471 SECTION 86. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
491	491	472amended by striking out, in line 12, each time it appears, the word “him” and inserting in place
492	492	473thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary.
493	493	474 SECTION 87. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
494	494	475amended by striking out, in lines 15 and 19, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each
495	495	476instance, the following words:- the secretary.
496	496	477 SECTION 88. Section 6A of said chapter 115 is hereby repealed.
497	497	478 SECTION 89. Section 6B of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition,
498	498	479is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 19, 28 and 35, the words “the sum of $2,000” and
499	499	480inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,250.
500	500	481 SECTION 90. Said section 6B of said chapter 115 is hereby further amended by striking
501	501	482out the figure “$2,250”, inserted by section 89, each time it appears, and inserting in place
502	502	483thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500. 25 of 30
503	503	484 SECTION 91. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official
504	504	485Edition, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 20, 29 and 35 and 36 the words “two
505	505	486equal payments on August and February 1” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
506	506	487following words:- “1 payment on August 1.”
507	507	488 SECTION 92. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
508	508	489amended by striking out, in lines 21 and 30, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
509	509	490instance, the following words:- the veteran’s.
510	510	491 SECTION 93. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
511	511	492amended by striking out, in lines 31 and 32 the words “, provided that the surviving spouse does
512	512	493not remarry,”.
513	513	494 SECTION 94. Section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
514	514	495striking out, in line 4, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- The
515	515	496burial agent.
516	516	497 SECTION 95. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
517	517	498amended by striking out, in line 8, the words “his wife, or his widow” and inserting in place
518	518	499thereof the following words:- the veteran’s spouse, or widowed person.
519	519	500 SECTION 96. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
520	520	501amended by striking out, in line 10, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
521	521	502words:- the burial agent. 26 of 30
522	522	503 SECTION 97. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
523	523	504amended by striking out, in lines 12 and 14, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each
524	524	505instance, the following words:- the burial agent.
525	525	506 SECTION 98. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
526	526	507amended by striking out, in line 17 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
527	527	508instance, the following words:- the person’s.
528	528	509 SECTION 99. Section 8 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
529	529	510striking out, in line 23, the words “widow, or widower” and inserting in place thereof the
530	530	511following words:- widowed person.
531	531	512 SECTION 100. Section 9 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
532	532	513striking out, in line 3, the words “, as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of chapter
533	533	514four,”.
534	534	515 SECTION 101. Said chapter 115 is hereby amended by inserting after section 9 the
535	535	516following section:-
536	536	517 Section 9A. The executive office of veterans’ services shall operate, maintain and expand
537	537	518the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial cemetery located in the city known as the town of
538	538	519Agawam and the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial cemetery located in the town of
539	539	520Winchendon and may add new cemetery locations, subject to the availability of funds, to meet
540	540	521veterans’ and veteran dependents’ needs; provided, however, that the office shall maintain the
541	541	522cemetery grounds, facilities and infrastructure and shall manage the burial and interment
542	542	523services. The executive office may adopt additional rules, regulations and policies as necessary
543	543	524to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure the proper functioning of the cemeteries under its control. 27 of 30
544	544	525 SECTION 102. Section 10 of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition,
545	545	526is hereby amended by striking out, in line 23, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the
546	546	527following word:- such director’s.
547	547	528 SECTION 103. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
548	548	529amended by striking out, in lines 31 and 32, the words “duties of his office” and inserting in
549	549	530place thereof the following words:- office’s duties.
550	550	531 SECTION 104. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
551	551	532amended by striking out, in line 32, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
552	552	533words:- the director’s.
553	553	534 SECTION 105. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
554	554	535amended by striking out, in line 37, the words “his duties as treasurer of the district” and
555	555	536inserting in place thereof the following words:- the district treasurer’s duties.
556	556	537 SECTION 106. Section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
557	557	538striking out, in line 2, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the
558	558	539mayors.
559	559	540 SECTION 107. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
560	560	541amended by striking out, in lines 3 and 4, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
561	561	542following word:- chair.
562	562	543 SECTION 108. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
563	563	544amended by striking out, in line 5, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
564	564	545words:- the town manager’s. 28 of 30
565	565	546 SECTION 109. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
566	566	547amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
567	567	548words:- the treasurer’s.
568	568	549 SECTION 110. Section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
569	569	550striking out, in line 4, the words “he, and his duly accredited agents,” and inserting in place
570	570	551thereof the following words:- the director and the director’s agents.
571	571	552 SECTION 111. Said section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
572	572	553amended by striking out, in line 11, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
573	573	554word:- a.
574	574	555 SECTION 112. Section 16 of said chapter 115, inserted by section 53 of chapter 126 of
575	575	556the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:-
576	576	557The board shall ensure that veterans receive state-based veteran benefits if they receive: (i) an
577	577	558other than honorable discharge on the basis of sex, race, color, religious creed, national origin,
578	578	559age, genetic information, ancestry, marital status or disability; or (ii) any United States
579	579	560Department of Veterans Affairs category eligible for a discharge upgrade, including, but not
580	580	561limited to, mental health conditions, military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury.
581	581	562 SECTION 113. Said section 16 of said chapter 115, as so inserted, is hereby further
582	582	563amended by striking out, in lines 37, 40 and 50, the word “department” and inserting in place
583	583	564thereof the following words:- executive office.
584	584	565 SECTION 114. Chapter 115A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out
585	585	566section 1, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following
586	586	567section:- 29 of 30
587	587	568 Section 1. A person who is a veteran as defined in section 1 of chapter 115 shall be
588	588	569entitled to out-patient treatment at, admission to and hospitalization in a state-operated veterans'
589	589	570home, subject to the provisions of section 3.
590	590	571 SECTION 115. Section 9 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
591	591	572striking out, in line 3, the words “home in the city of Chelsea” and inserting in place thereof the
592	592	573following word:- homes.
593	593	574 SECTION 116. Section 12 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
594	594	575striking out, in line 1, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:-
595	595	576executive office.
596	596	577 SECTION 117. Said section 12 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby further
597	597	578amended by striking out, in line 22, the words “department of veterans” and inserting in place
598	598	579thereof the following words:- executive office of veterans’.
599	599	580 SECTION 118. Section 3 of chapter 115B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
600	600	581hereby amended by striking out, in line 16 to 18, inclusive, the words “home in the city of
601	601	582Chelsea; and the chair of the board of trustees of the veterans’ home in the city of Holyoke” and
602	602	583inserting in place thereof the following words:- homes.
603	603	584 SECTION 119. Section 73B of chapter 272 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
604	604	585hereby amended by striking out, in lines 18, the second time it appears, and 23, the word
605	605	586“department” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- executive
606	606	587office. 30 of 30
607	607	588 SECTION 120. Section 11 of chapter 276A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
608	608	589hereby amended by striking out, in lines 6 and 13, the words “the department” and inserting in
609	609	590place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the executive office.
610	610	591 SECTION 121. Section 3 of chapter 71 of the acts of 1996, as amended by section 2 of
611	611	592chapter 468 of the acts of 2002, is hereby further amended by striking out the second paragraph.
612	612	593 SECTION 122. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a member of
613	613	594a retirement system who is a member in service and a veteran who failed to make the purchase
614	614	595authorized in paragraph (h) of subdivision (1) of section 4 of chapter 32 of the General Laws
615	615	596pursuant to chapter 71 of the acts of 1996 shall be given a 1-time opportunity to apply to the
616	616	597retirement system to make said purchase within 1 year from the effective date of this act. Each
617	617	598retirement system shall provide written notice to all members in service of their potential
618	618	599eligibility for this purchase within 90 days of the effective date of this act.
619	619	600 SECTION 123. (a) The secretary of veterans’ services, in coordination with the executive
620	620	601office of health and human services, shall convene a working group to review alternative
621	621	602therapies for mental health treatments for veterans. The working group shall: (i) study whether
622	622	603psychedelic therapy is associated with improved outcomes among veterans with diagnosed
623	623	604mental health disorders; (ii) evaluate literature, research trials and expert opinions to determine if
624	624	605psychedelic therapy is associated with improved outcomes regarding mental health treatment for
625	625	606veterans; and (iii) issue recommendations regarding the provision of psychedelic therapy to treat
626	626	607veterans with mental health disorders in the commonwealth. As used in this section,
627	627	608“psychedelic therapy” shall mean the use of psilocybin, ketamine, or 3,4- 31 of 30
628	628	609methylenedioxymethamphetamine under the direction of a health care provider to treat mental
629	629	610health disorders.
630	630	611 (b) The secretary shall appoint the following members to the working group: 2 members
631	631	612who shall represent medical centers or hospitals in the commonwealth that serve veterans; 2
632	632	613members who shall represent health insurance companies; 2 members who shall represent
633	633	614veterans’ services organizations; 1 member who shall represent an organization currently
634	634	615studying the subject matter of alternative therapies for mental health treatment of veterans; and
635	635	616such other members with experience in behavioral health or veterans’ services as the secretary
636	636	617deems necessary. The secretary shall designate a chair of the working group from the
637	637	618membership of the group.
638	638	619 (c) Not later than January 1, 2025, the working group shall file a report of its findings and
639	639	620any recommendations with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint
640	640	621committee on veterans and federal affairs and the joint committee on mental health, substance
641	641	622use and recovery.
642	642	623 SECTION 124. Sections 18 and 19 shall take effect on taxable years beginning on
643	643	624January 1, 2024.
644	644	625 SECTION 125. Sections 20 and 24 through 30, inclusive, shall take effect 6 months after
645	645	626the effective date of this act.
646	646	627 SECTION 126. Sections 50 and 89 shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
647	647	628 SECTION 127. Section 90 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.