Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2826 Compare Versions

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1	1	1 of 40
2	2	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2826
3	3	Senate, June 13, 2024 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill honoring, empowering,
4	4	and recognizing our servicemembers and veterans (House, No. 4671) (being the text of Senate,
5	5	No. 2817, printed as amended)
6	6	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
7	7	_______________
8	8	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
9	9	(2023-2024)
10	10	_______________
11	11	1 SECTION 1. Section 34 of chapter 2 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
12	12	2Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 2, the word “department” and
13	13	3inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
14	14	4 SECTION 2. Chapter 6 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section
15	15	515ZZZZZZ the following 2 sections:-
16	16	6 Section. 15AAAAAAA. The governor shall set apart May 22 as United States Merchant
17	17	7Marine Day in recognition of the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine on June
18	18	812, 1775 and shall annually issue a proclamation recommend that the day be observed in an
19	19	9appropriate manner by the people.
20	20	10 Section 15BBBBBBB. The governor shall annually set apart December 20 as United
21	21	11States Space Force Day, in recognition of the Space Force’s distinguished history and
22	22	12spacefaring service, and recommend that the day be observed in an appropriate manner by the
23	23	13people. 2 of 40
24	24	14 SECTION 3. Section 41 of said chapter 6, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is
25	25	15hereby amended by striking out, in lines 47 and 94, the word “department” and inserting in place
26	26	16thereof, in each instance, the following words:- executive office.
27	27	17 SECTION 4. Section 219 of said chapter 6, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
28	28	18striking out, in line 8, the figure “21” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- 23.
29	29	19 SECTION 5. Said section 219 of said chapter 6, as so appearing, is hereby further
30	30	20amended by inserting after the word “chair”, in line 10, the following words:- ; the secretary of
31	31	21veterans' services or a designee.
32	32	22 SECTION 6. Said section 219 of said chapter 6, as so appearing, is hereby further
33	33	23amended by inserting after the word “leader”, in line 18, the second time it appears, the
34	34	24following words:- ; 1 person appointed by the governor representing a veterans organization in
35	35	25the commonwealth.
36	36	26 SECTION 7. Subsection (d) of section 16DD of chapter 6A of the General Laws, as so
37	37	27appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 29, the second time it appears, the word
38	38	28“department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
39	39	29 SECTION 8. Section 105 of said chapter 6A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
40	40	30striking out, in line 1, the words “a department” and inserting in place thereof the following
41	41	31words:- an executive office.
42	42	32 SECTION 9. Section 4G of chapter 7 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
43	43	33amended by striking out, in lines 7 and 8, the words “the department of veterans’ services,”. 3 of 40
44	44	34 SECTION 10. Section 61 of said chapter 7 is hereby amended by striking out, in lines
45	45	35124 and 125, as so appearing, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the following
46	46	36words:- executive office.
47	47	37 SECTION 11. Section 78 of chapter 10 of the General Laws is hereby amended by
48	48	38inserting after the word "Reserve", in line 11, as so appearing, the following words:- , United
49	49	39States Space Force.
50	50	40 SECTION 12. Section 17 of chapter 11 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
51	51	41amended by striking out, in line 21, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
52	52	42following words:- executive office.
53	53	43 SECTION 13. Section 1G of chapter 15 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
54	54	44amended by inserting after the word “students”, in line 86, the following words:- , including
55	55	45military-connected students.
56	56	46 SECTION 14. Chapter 15D of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after
57	57	47section 7 the following section:-
58	58	48 Section 7A. For the purposes of this section, “military installation” shall mean a base,
59	59	49camp, post, station, yard, center or other activity under the jurisdiction of the secretary of a
60	60	50United States military department or, in the case of an activity in a foreign country, under the
61	61	51operational control of the secretary of a United States military department or the United States
62	62	52Secretary of Defense, regardless of the duration of operational control.
63	63	53 Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule or regulation to the contrary, sections 6
64	64	54and 7 shall not apply to a child care provider on a military installation or a facility licensed or 4 of 40
65	65	55certified as a family child care provider by a branch of the United States Department of Defense
66	66	56or by the United States Coast Guard.
67	67	57 SECTION 15. Section 1 of chapter 15E of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
68	68	58Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 6, the word “sections” and inserting
69	69	59in place thereof the following word:- chapters.
70	70	60 SECTION 16. Said section 1 of said chapter 15E, as so appearing, is hereby further
71	71	61amended by inserting after the word “Force”, in line 69, the following words:- , Space Force.
72	72	62 SECTION 17. Section 2EEEEE of chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
73	73	63hereby amended by striking out, in line 14, the words “department of veterans” and inserting in
74	74	64place thereof the following words:- executive office of veterans’.
75	75	65 SECTION 18. Section 49 of chapter 31 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
76	76	66amended by striking out, in lines 14 and 15, the words “home in the city of Chelsea” and
77	77	67inserting in place thereof the following word:- homes.
78	78	68 SECTION 19. Paragraph (h) of subdivision (1) of section 4 of chapter 32 of the General
79	79	69Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the fourth subparagraph and inserting
80	80	70in place thereof the following subparagraph:-
81	81	71 Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or any other general or special law, rule or
82	82	72regulation to the contrary, a member in service of a retirement system as defined in section 1
83	83	73shall be provided written notice by the retirement board upon entry into service that if they
84	84	74qualify as a veteran who served in the armed forces of the United States, they shall be entitled to
85	85	75credit for active service in the armed services of the United States; provided, however, that such 5 of 40
86	86	76active service shall not be credited until such member, prior to or within 1 year of vesting
87	87	77pursuant to this chapter, has paid into the annuity savings fund of such system, in 1 sum or in
88	88	78installments, upon such terms and conditions as the board may prescribe, makeup payments, for
89	89	79each year of creditable service sought, of an amount equal to 10 per cent of the regular annual
90	90	80compensation of the member when said member entered the retirement system; provided further,
91	91	81that such creditable service shall not be construed to include service for more than 4 years; and
92	92	82provided further, that such creditable service shall not be allowed for any period of active service
93	93	83for which said veteran has received credit pursuant to this paragraph. This paragraph shall apply
94	94	84to national guard and active reserve personnel, both former and present. Creditable service time,
95	95	85both enlisted and commissioned, may be applied toward retirement on a ratio of 5 years of
96	96	86national guard service or 5 years of active reserve service substitutable for each year of active
97	97	87service. National guard and active reserve personnel shall not be precluded from making said
98	98	88purchase if they qualify as a veteran after vesting or if they reach the maximum of 4 years of
99	99	89eligible service purchase after vesting and qualifying as a veteran; provided, however, that they
100	100	90enter into a purchase agreement within 5 years of the last occurring event.
101	101	91 SECTION 20. Section 15 of chapter 33 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
102	102	92amended by adding the following paragraph:-
103	103	93 (j) There shall be a military spouse liaison appointed by the adjutant general who shall
104	104	94conduct outreach to and advocate on behalf of military spouses residing in the commonwealth.
105	105	95The duties of the military spouse liaison shall include, but not be limited to: (i) providing
106	106	96assistance and information to military spouses seeking professional licenses and credentials or
107	107	97other employment the commonwealth; (ii) coordinating research on issues facing military
108	108	98spouses; (iii) creating informational materials to assist military spouses and their families; (iv) 6 of 40
109	109	99providing recommendations to assist spouses in accessing high quality child care; (v) developing
110	110	100resources in coordination with military installations to increase access to high quality child care
111	111	101for military families; and (vi) assisting military spouses with finding employment in relevant
112	112	102sectors.
113	113	103 SECTION 21. Said chapter 33 is hereby further amended by striking out section 59, as
114	114	104so appearing, and inserting in place thereof the following section:-
115	115	105 Section 59. (a) An employee of the commonwealth or another state in the service of the
116	116	106armed forces of the commonwealth or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United
117	117	107States based in the commonwealth shall be entitled to receive pay without loss of ordinary
118	118	108remuneration as a public employee during service in the uniformed services, annual training
119	119	109under section 60 or drills and parades under section 61, or for an employee in the service of the
120	120	110armed forces of another state, annual training, drills or parades under a corresponding law of that
121	121	111state, not exceeding 40 days in any federal fiscal year, and shall not lose any seniority or any
122	122	112accrued vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, compensation time or earned overtime. For
123	123	113the purposes of this section, “uniformed services'' shall have the same meaning as in section 13.
124	124	114For the purposes of this subsection, ''day'' shall mean any 24–hour period regardless of calendar
125	125	115day.
126	126	116 (b) An employee of the commonwealth in the service of the armed forces of the
127	127	117commonwealth under sections 38, 40 or 41, or in the service of the armed forces of another state
128	128	118under a corresponding law of that state, shall be entitled to receive pay without loss of ordinary
129	129	119remuneration as a public employee and shall not lose any seniority or any accrued vacation
130	130	120leave, sick leave, personal leave, compensation time or earned overtime during the first 30 7 of 40
131	131	121consecutive days of any mission; provided, however, that after the 30-day period, the ordinary
132	132	122remuneration of such an employee shall be reduced by any amount received from the United
133	133	123States, the commonwealth or another state as base pay for military service performed during the
134	134	124same pay period and there shall be no loss of any seniority or any accrued vacation leave, sick
135	135	125leave, personal leave, compensation time or earned overtime. National guard duty performed
136	136	126under Title 32 of the United States Code shall not be deemed service in the armed forces of the
137	137	127commonwealth under sections 38, 40 or 41 or service in the armed forces of another state under
138	138	128the corresponding law of that state for the purposes of this section.
139	139	129 (c) An employee of the commonwealth in the armed forces of the commonwealth or of
140	140	130another state performing duty under Titles 10 or 32 of the United States Code shall be paid their
141	141	131regular base salary as a public employee for each pay period of such military leave of absence,
142	142	132reduced by any amount received from the United States, the commonwealth or another state as
143	143	133base pay for military service performed during the same pay period and such employee shall not
144	144	134lose any seniority or any accrued vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, compensation time
145	145	135or earned overtime.
146	146	136 (d) An employee of the commonwealth in a reserve component of the armed forces of the
147	147	137United States who is ordered to service for more than 30 consecutive days shall be paid their
148	148	138regular base salary as a public employee for each pay period of such military leave of absence,
149	149	139reduced by any amount received from the United States, the commonwealth or another state as
150	150	140base pay for military service performed during the same pay period. No such employee shall lose
151	151	141any seniority or accrued vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, compensation time or earned
152	152	142overtime. 8 of 40
153	153	143 (e) An employee of a county, city or town which, by vote of its legislative body, has
154	154	144accepted this section or similar provisions of earlier laws, shall be entitled to the benefits and
155	155	145protections of this section or the benefits of the accepted earlier law.
156	156	146 (f) For the purposes of this section, ''base pay for military service'' shall not include any
157	157	147housing, incentive, bonus, skills pay, allowance or other stipend or benefit paid to the employee
158	158	148for the employee's military service.
159	159	149 SECTION 22. Subsection (b) of article 43 of chapter 33A of the General Laws, as so
160	160	150appearing, is hereby amended by striking out paragraph (2) and inserting in place thereof the
161	161	151following paragraph:-
162	162	152 (2) A person charged with an offense shall not be liable to be punished under article 15 if
163	163	153the Massachusetts National Guard knew, or reasonably should have known, of the offense more
164	164	154than 2 years before the imposition of punishment.
165	165	155 SECTION 23. Section 5 of chapter 59 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
166	166	156amended by inserting after clause Twenty-second H the following 2 clauses:-
167	167	157 Twenty-second I. In a city or town that accepts this clause and is certified by the
168	168	158commissioner of revenue to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, an abatement
169	169	159granted pursuant clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C,
170	170	160Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be increased annually by an amount equal to the
171	171	161increase in the cost of living as determined by the Consumer Price Index for such year. The
172	172	162department of revenue shall annually inform each city or town that accepts this clause of the
173	173	163amount of such increase. 9 of 40
174	174	164 Twenty-second J. In a city or town that accepts this clause and is certified by the
175	175	165commissioner of revenue to be assessing all property at full and fair cash valuation, a taxpayer
176	176	166who otherwise qualifies for an exemption pursuant to clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second A,
177	177	167Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F shall be granted an
178	178	168additional exemption the amount of which shall not exceed 100 per cent of the exemption for
179	179	169which the taxpayer qualifies, as may be determined by the legislative body of the city or town,
180	180	170subject to its charter, not later than the beginning of the fiscal year to which the additional
181	181	171exemption shall commence; provided, however, that the additional exemption shall be uniform
182	182	172for all taxpayers who qualify for an exemption under said clause Twenty-second, Twenty-second
183	183	173A, Twenty-second B, Twenty-second C, Twenty-second E or Twenty-second F. Once accepted,
184	184	174the amount of the exemption shall continue until amended by the legislative body of the city or
185	185	175town. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the exemption shall be in
186	186	176addition to any exemption allowable pursuant to this section; provided, however, the taxable
187	187	177valuation of the property receiving an exemption pursuant to this clause, after all applicable
188	188	178exemptions, shall not be reduced below 10 per cent of its full and fair cash valuation, except
189	189	179through the applicability of clause Eighteenth. Acceptance of this clause by a city or town shall
190	190	180not increase the amount that the city or town otherwise would have been reimbursed by the
191	191	181commonwealth pursuant to the clause. The additional exemption contained within this clause
192	192	182shall not be implemented in any year in which the city or town has also accepted section 5C1/2.
193	193	183 SECTION 24. Section 5N of said chapter 59, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
194	194	184striking out, in lines 16 and 43, the figure $1,500 and inserting in place thereof, in each instance,
195	195	185the following figure:- $2,000. 10 of 40
196	196	186 SECTION 25. Subsection (u) of section 6 of chapter 62 of the General Laws, as so
197	197	187appearing, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 1113 and 1130, the figure “$2,000” and
198	198	188inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500.
199	199	189 SECTION 26. Said subsection (u) of said section 6 of said chapter 62, as so appearing, is
200	200	190hereby further amended by striking out, in line 1119, the words “the day” and inserting in place
201	201	191thereof the following words:- six months after.
202	202	192 SECTION 27. Section 38GG of chapter 63 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
203	203	193hereby amended by striking out, in lines 8 and 24, the figure “$2,000” and inserting in place
204	204	194thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500.
205	205	195 SECTION 28. Said section 38GG of said chapter 63, as so appearing, is hereby further
206	206	196amended by striking out, in line 13, the words “the day” and inserting in place thereof the
207	207	197following words:- six months after.
208	208	198 SECTION 29. Section 6 of chapter 64H of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
209	209	199amended by striking out subsection (u) and inserting in place thereof the following subsection:-
210	210	200 (u) Sale of a motor vehicle purchased by and for the use of a person who has suffered
211	211	201loss, or permanent loss of use, of both legs or both arms or 1 leg and 1 arm or by and for the use
212	212	202of a veteran who has been determined to be permanently disabled by the medical advisory board
213	213	203established under section 8C of chapter 90 and has been issued a plate displaying the words
214	214	204“Disabled Veteran” or a Purple Heart distinctive registration plate pursuant to section 2J of said
215	215	205chapter 90; provided, however, that this exemption shall apply to 1 motor vehicle owned and
216	216	206registered only for the personal, noncommercial use of such person. A person who is otherwise 11 of 40
217	217	207eligible for this exemption and who was previously issued a Purple Heart distinctive registration
218	218	208plate shall not be required to forfeit such plate to remain eligible for this exemption.
219	219	209 SECTION 30. Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the
220	220	210following section:-
221	221	211 Section 38. (a) For the purposes of this section, “military-connected student” shall mean a
222	222	212student who is an unemancipated person whose parent or guardian: (i) is a current or reserve
223	223	213member of the United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United
224	224	214States Coast Guard, United States Space Force, Army Nurse Corps, Navy Nurse Corps, United
225	225	215States Air Force, Air National Guard or Army National Guard; or (ii) a member of a military or
226	226	216reserve force under clause (i) who was killed in the line of duty.
227	227	217 (b) A school district shall provide appropriate support services to a military-connected
228	228	218student if their parent or guardian is called or ordered to active duty pursuant to Title 10 or 32 of
229	229	219the United States Code and said parent or guardian notifies the district of such active duty or a
230	230	220student’s parent or guardian is a member of a military or reserve force and was killed in the line
231	231	221of duty. The school district shall provide such student with informational materials and resources
232	232	222and access to a: (i) certified school counselor; (ii) certified school psychologist; or (iii) school
233	233	223social worker.
234	234	224 (c) The department shall coordinate with the military division of the commonwealth to
235	235	225carry out subsection (b), including posting information about military family resources to the
236	236	226department’s website and providing informational materials for use by school districts to inform
237	237	227parents and guardians of the supports available under said subsection (b). 12 of 40
238	238	228 (d) A school district may notify a teacher of the enrollment of a military-connected
239	239	229student at the request of the military-connected student’s parent or guardian to provide the
240	240	230teacher with the opportunity to monitor a military-connected student’s level of academic
241	241	231engagement and provide support as needed.
242	242	232 SECTION 31. Section 4 of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
243	243	233Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out, in line 32, the word “department”, the
244	244	234second time it appears, and inserting in place thereof the following words:- executive office.
245	245	235 SECTION 32. Said section 4 of said chapter 71, as so appearing, is hereby further
246	246	236amended by striking out, in line 39, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
247	247	237following words:- executive office.
248	248	238 SECTION 33. Section 2 of chapter 90 of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking
249	249	239out, in lines 172 to 186, inclusive, as so appearing, the words “pleasure passenger vehicles
250	250	240owned by veterans who, according to the records of the United States Veterans’ Administration,
251	251	241has been determined to have a service-connected disability rating of 60 per cent or greater and by
252	252	242reason of service in the armed forces of the United States have suffered loss or permanent loss of
253	253	243use of one or both feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent
254	254	244impairment of vision of both eyes of the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less
255	255	245in the better eye, with corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a
256	256	246field defect in which the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter
257	257	247of visual field subtends an angular distance no greater than twenty degrees in the better eye, or
258	258	248any other disability or handicap of such veterans which may be determined by the medical
259	259	249advisory board as established by section eight C, and”. 13 of 40
260	260	250 SECTION 34. The seventh paragraph of said section 2 of said chapter 90, as so
261	261	251appearing, is hereby amended by striking out the third and fourth sentences.
262	262	252 SECTION 35. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking
263	263	253out, in lines 246 to 258, inclusive, as so appearing, the words “and the words “Disabled Veteran”
264	264	254for a pleasure passenger vehicle or a pick-up truck owned or leased by and used by a veteran
265	265	255who, according to the records of the United States Veterans’ Administration, by reason of service
266	266	256in the armed forces of the United States has suffered loss or permanent loss of use of one or both
267	267	257feet; or loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands; or permanent impairment of vision of
268	268	258both eyes of the following status: central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, with
269	269	259corrective glasses, or central visual acuity of more than 20/200 if there is a field defect in which
270	270	260the peripheral field has contracted to such an extent that the widest diameter of visual field
271	271	261subtends an angular distance no greater that 20 degrees in the better eye, or any other disability
272	272	262or handicap”.
273	273	263 SECTION 36. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
274	274	264the twelfth paragraph, as so appearing.
275	275	265 SECTION 37. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
276	276	266the fifteenth to seventeenth paragraphs, inclusive, as so appearing.
277	277	267 SECTION 38. Said section 2 of said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by striking out
278	278	268the nineteenth to twenty-second paragraphs, inclusive, as so appearing.
279	279	269 SECTION 39. Said chapter 90 is hereby further amended by inserting after section 2I the
280	280	270following section:- 14 of 40
281	281	271 Section 2J. (a) The registrar shall design and maintain a series of distinct and individual
282	282	272license plates recognizing those who have served in the military and for those who deserve
283	283	273special recognition relating to or deriving from military service as provided herein.
284	284	274 (b) An individual that meets the definition of a veteran under clause forty-third of section
285	285	2757 of chapter 4 or section 1 of chapter 115 or who is eligible for annuity provided under section
286	286	2766C of said chapter 115, upon presentation of satisfactory evidence of such status as determined
287	287	277by the registrar, shall be eligible for and entitled to a veteran license plate bearing the words
288	288	278“VETERAN”.
289	289	279 (c) The series of distinct and individual license plates recognizing those who have served
290	290	280in the military and for those who deserve special recognition relating to or deriving from military
291	291	281service shall include license plates for:
292	292	282 (i) veterans ranked with a disability rating of not less than 60 per cent by the United
293	293	283States Department of Veterans Affairs, including those who have suffered the loss of a limb,
294	294	284permanent visual acuity loss of 20/200 in an eye, or are otherwise determined to be disabled or
295	295	285handicapped by the medical advisory board established in section 8C;
296	296	286 (ii) veterans who have been captured and incarcerated by foreign forces in conflict or
297	297	287held as prisoners of war;
298	298	288 (iii) veterans who are members of the Legion of Valor of the United States of America
299	299	289Inc.; 15 of 40
300	300	290 (iv) veterans awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor shall be entitled to a distinctive
301	301	291plate recognizing that status, including, subject to availability, the use of the initials of the award
302	302	292recipient followed by CMH signifying their award.
303	303	293 (v) veterans awarded the Purple Heart medal shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
304	304	294indicating that status which shall include the words “COMBAT WOUNDED”;
305	305	295 (vi) survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor shall be entitled to a distinctive plate
306	306	296reflecting that status and bearing the word “VETERAN”;
307	307	297 (vii) residents of the commonwealth serving in any branch of the national guard shall be
308	308	298entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status;
309	309	299 (viii) residents of the commonwealth awarded the medal of liberty pursuant to section
310	310	30067A of chapter 33 shall be entitled to a distinctive plate reflecting that status; and
311	311	301 (ix) next of kin of a member of the armed forces, in possession of a Gold Star Lapel
312	312	302Button under the regulations of the United States Secretary of Defense, shall be entitled to a
313	313	303Gold Star Family distinctive plate; provided, however, that said button shall not be an eligibility
314	314	304requirement for those who have presented other satisfactory evidence of their status, as
315	315	305determined by the registrar.
316	316	306 (d) A veteran who has served in the armed forces and is entitled to a veteran license plate
317	317	307shall also be entitled to the issuance of a decal or emblem denoting their branch of service.
318	318	308Residents of the commonwealth who are veterans and who identify as female shall be entitled to
319	319	309a distinctive decal or emblem, which the registry of motor vehicles shall design and issue. 16 of 40
320	320	310 (e) The following individuals shall be entitled to a distinctive plate, decal or emblem
321	321	311denoting their award status:
322	322	312 (i) owners of private vehicles awarded 1 of the following decorations for valor or
323	323	313gallantry: (i) the Silver Star; (ii) the Bronze Star; (iii) the Distinguished Flying Cross; (iv) the
324	324	314Distinguished Service Cross; (v) the Navy Cross; (vi) the Air Force Cross; or (vii) any other
325	325	315similar award designated by the secretary of veterans’ services; and
326	326	316 (ii) residents of the commonwealth who qualify as a Gold Star parent, child, sibling,
327	327	317grandchild or spouse.
328	328	318 (f) Veterans entitled to a distinctive plate shall be entitled to have a distinctive emblem or
329	329	319decal reflecting service in Operation Enduring Freedom or the receipt of the Iraq Campaign
330	330	320Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, a Persian Gulf Campaign Ribbon, the Armed Forces
331	331	321Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal,
332	332	322the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Kosovo
333	333	323Campaign Medal or the Prisoner of War Medal.
334	334	324 (g) A person who is widowed by a veteran who received any special recognition or status
335	335	325pursuant to this section shall not be required to forfeit their distinctive license plate, decal or
336	336	326emblem unless they cancel or fail to renew the registration for said license plate. If a veteran was
337	337	327eligible for special recognition or status under this section but did not apply for such special
338	338	328recognition or status before their death, the person widowed by said deceased veteran may apply
339	339	329on behalf of the deceased veteran for special recognition or status pursuant to this section.
340	340	330 (h) Special recognition or status pursuant to this section shall entitle the recipient to not
341	341	331more than 1 distinctive license plate, decal or emblem; provided, however, that such recipient 17 of 40
342	342	332may opt to have the distinctive plate, decal or emblem issued in a form suitable for use on a
343	343	333motorcycle.
344	344	334 (i) Any plate to which an individual is entitled pursuant to this section shall be issued
345	345	335without fee other than the established registration fee for private passenger motor vehicles and
346	346	336motorcycles. State-operated veterans’ homes shall be reimbursed annually from the General
347	347	337Fund for any loss of revenue for any license plate, decal or emblem provided free of charge
348	348	338pursuant to this section.
349	349	339 SECTION 40. Section 244 of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as inserted by section 14
350	350	340of chapter 154 of the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 2, 28, the second
351	351	341time it appears, 35 and 38, the word “commissioner” and inserting in place thereof, in each
352	352	342instance, the following word:- secretary.
353	353	343 SECTION 41. Said section 244 of said chapter 111, as so inserted, is hereby further
354	354	344amended by striking out, in line 43, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the
355	355	345following words:- executive office.
356	356	346 SECTION 42. Section 1 of chapter 115 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
357	357	347Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the definition of “'Dependent” and inserting
358	358	348in place thereof the following definition:-
359	359	349 “Dependent”, the spouse, widowed person, child or parent of a veteran, including any
360	360	350person who stood in the relationship of a parent to such veteran for the 5 years preceding the
361	361	351commencement of the veteran’s wartime service; provided, however, that no child of a veteran
362	362	352who is more than 18 years of age shall be deemed a dependent, unless the child meets the criteria
363	363	353established for emancipation pursuant to section 28 of chapter 208 or section 9 of chapter 209C 18 of 40
364	364	354or unless the child is mentally or physically unable to support themselves after attaining the age
365	365	355of 23.
366	366	356 SECTION 43. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
367	367	357amended by striking out, in line 25, the word “his”, each time it appears, and inserting in place
368	368	358thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the applicant’s.
369	369	359 SECTION 44. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
370	370	360amended by striking out, in line 26, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
371	371	361words:- the applicant.
372	372	362 SECTION 45. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
373	373	363amended by striking out the definition of “Veteran” and inserting in place thereof the following
374	374	364definition:-
375	375	365 “Veteran”, a person who: (a) is a veteran as defined in clause Forty-third of section 7 of
376	376	366chapter 4; (b) served on active duty in the armed forces for not less than 90 days and whose last
377	377	367discharge or release was under conditions other than dishonorable; (c) served on active duty,
378	378	368including active duty solely for training purposes, in the armed forces and was awarded a
379	379	369service-connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than
380	380	370dishonorable; (d) served in the national guard or as a reservist in any branch of the United States
381	381	371Armed Forces, including active duty solely for training purposes, and was awarded a service-
382	382	372connected disability or who died in such service under conditions other than dishonorable; or (e)
383	383	373is determined to be a veteran according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs;
384	384	374provided, however, that in any case, the service of such person qualified under clause (a) through
385	385	375clause (e), inclusive, was entered into or served in the commonwealth or such person has resided 19 of 40
386	386	376in the commonwealth for not less than 1 day, except for the purpose of determining the
387	387	377residential eligibility of a deceased veteran’s dependents.
388	388	378 SECTION 46. Said section 1 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
389	389	379amended by striking out, in lines 54 and 55, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of
390	390	380section seven of chapter four,”.
391	391	381 SECTION 47. Section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
392	392	382striking out, in lines 1 and 2, the words “as defined in clause Forty-third of section seven of
393	393	383chapter four”.
394	394	384 SECTION 48. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
395	395	385amended by striking out, in lines 7 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
396	396	386instance, the following word:- the secretary’s.
397	397	387 SECTION 49. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
398	398	388amended by striking out, in lines 8, 12, 20, 66, 82, 103, 123, 131, 139 and 150, the word “He”
399	399	389and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:-The secretary.
400	400	390 SECTION 50. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
401	401	391amended by striking out, in lines 12, 63, 71, 89, 98, 113, 118 and 119, the word “him” and
402	402	392inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary.
403	403	393 SECTION 51. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
404	404	394amended by striking out, in lines 13, 14, 61, 118, 125, 129, 134 and 142, the word “he” and
405	405	395inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary. 20 of 40
406	406	396 SECTION 52. The third paragraph of said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing,
407	407	397is hereby amended by inserting after the third sentence the following 3 sentences:- Any claimant
408	408	398aggrieved by a decision of a veterans’ agent regarding veterans benefits or by the failure of a city
409	409	399or town to render adequate veterans' benefits or to take, approve or deny an application for
410	410	400veterans’ benefits within 45 days of receiving such application or the claimant requesting to
411	411	401apply for benefits or any person aggrieved by the termination or reduction of such benefits shall
412	412	402have the right to appeal to the secretary. An appeal shall be filed with the secretary within 90
413	413	403days of the claimant’s receipt of a written adverse notice. An informal administrative hearing of
414	414	404such appeal shall be conducted to review the facts and circumstances giving rise to the appeal.
415	415	405The secretary shall issue a decision on the appeal within 90 days after the informal
416	416	406administrative hearing has closed.
417	417	407 SECTION 53. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
418	418	408amended by striking out, in line 39, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
419	419	409words:- the person’s.
420	420	410 SECTION 54. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
421	421	411amended by striking out, in line 45, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
422	422	412words:- a party’s.
423	423	413 SECTION 55. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
424	424	414amended by striking out the sixth paragraph.
425	425	415 SECTION 56. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
426	426	416amended by striking out, in line 82, the words “him or by his” and inserting in place thereof the
427	427	417following words:- the secretary or the secretary’s. 21 of 40
428	428	418 SECTION 57. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
429	429	419amended by striking out, in line 98, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
430	430	420words:- the applicant’s.
431	431	421 SECTION 58. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
432	432	422amended by striking out, in lines 153 and 156, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in
433	433	423each instance, the following word:- a.
434	434	424 SECTION 59. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
435	435	425amended by striking out, in line 155, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
436	436	426following word:- chair.
437	437	427 SECTION 60. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
438	438	428amended by adding the following 3 paragraphs:-
439	439	429 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a medical assistance benefit in
440	440	430addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the medical assistance
441	441	431benefit shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded resources before
442	442	432seeking aid under this paragraph. The medical assistance benefit shall include, but not be limited
443	443	433to, covering the cost of necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and other such
444	444	434treatment as the secretary shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation
445	445	435or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
446	446	436 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a behavioral health assistance
447	447	437benefit in addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the behavioral
448	448	438health assistance benefit shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded
449	449	439resources before seeking aid under this paragraph. The behavioral health assistance benefit shall 22 of 40
450	450	440include, but not be limited to, coverage for the cost of those necessary outpatient behavioral
451	451	441health assessments, evaluations, visits, prescriptions and other such treatment as the secretary
452	452	442shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, make
453	453	443provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
454	454	444 The secretary shall provide, subject to appropriation, a dental assistance benefit in
455	455	445addition to the other benefits provided in this chapter. A recipient of the dental assistance benefit
456	456	446shall, where applicable, make use of private, state or federally-funded resources before seeking
457	457	447aid under this paragraph. The dental assistance benefit shall include, but not be limited to,
458	458	448coverage for the cost of those necessary medical visits, procedures, prescriptions and other such
459	459	449treatment as the secretary shall determine through regulations. The secretary shall, by regulation
460	460	450or otherwise, make provision to keep the program efficient and economical.
461	461	451 SECTION 61. Said section 2 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
462	462	452amended by adding the following paragraph:-
463	463	453 Annually, not later than November 1, the secretary shall report on the activities of the
464	464	454office and data collected related to veterans, including, but not limited to: (i) the number of
465	465	455recipients of state veteran benefits and applicants for benefits, delineated by municipality and
466	466	456demographic; (ii) a breakdown on the outcome of benefit appeal decisions pursuant to this
467	467	457section; (iii) a summary of the office’s outreach to veterans on the availability of and process for
468	468	458applying for benefits; (iv) demographic and regional information available on the veteran
469	469	459population in the commonwealth; (v) directives in effect; and (vi) any legislative
470	470	460recommendations necessary to better serve veterans and their families in the commonwealth. The
471	471	461office shall publicly post the report on the office’s website and submit the report to the joint 23 of 40
472	472	462committee on veterans and federal affairs, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives
473	473	463and the senate and house committees on ways and means.
474	474	464 SECTION 62. Section 2B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
475	475	465striking out, in lines 7 and 8, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
476	476	466following word:- a.
477	477	467 SECTION 63. Section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
478	478	468striking out, in line 17, the word “his”.
479	479	469 SECTION 64. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
480	480	470amended by striking out, in line 18, the words “in behalf of a civil war” and inserting in place
481	481	471thereof the following words:- on behalf of a.
482	482	472 SECTION 65. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
483	483	473amended by striking out, in lines 18 and 19, the words “his wife or widow” and inserting in place
484	484	474thereof the following words:- a veteran’s spouse or widowed person.
485	485	475 SECTION 66. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
486	486	476amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
487	487	477words:- the secretary.
488	488	478 SECTION 67. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
489	489	479amended by striking out, in line 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
490	490	480words:- the agent’s. 24 of 40
491	491	481 SECTION 68. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
492	492	482amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
493	493	483words:- the veteran.
494	494	484 SECTION 69. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
495	495	485amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
496	496	486words:- the veteran’s.
497	497	487 SECTION 70. Said section 3 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
498	498	488amended by striking out, in lines 25 and 27, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof, in
499	499	489each instance, the following words:- the agent.
500	500	490 SECTION 71. Section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
501	501	491striking out, in lines 4, 5, 8 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
502	502	492instance, the following words:- the applicants.
503	503	493 SECTION 72. Said section 4 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
504	504	494amended by striking out, in line 14, the word “widow” and inserting in place thereof the
505	505	495following words:- widowed person.
506	506	496 SECTION 73. Section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
507	507	497striking out, in lines 2 and 55, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
508	508	498following words:- the veteran.
509	509	499 SECTION 74. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
510	510	500amended by striking out, in lines 3 to 10, inclusive, the words “unless he has actually resided
511	511	501within the commonwealth for 1 day preceding the date of his application for such benefits, nor to 25 of 40
512	512	502any dependent of a veteran unless he has actually resided within the commonwealth continuously
513	513	503for three years next preceding the date of his application for such benefits, nor unless the veteran
514	514	504of whom he is a dependent has actually resided within the commonwealth continuously for three
515	515	505years next preceding the date of such dependent’s application for such benefits” and inserting in
516	516	506place thereof the following words:- or to a dependent of a veteran unless the veteran or the
517	517	507dependent has actually resided within the commonwealth for not less than 1 day preceding the
518	518	508date of the application for such benefits.
519	519	509 SECTION 75. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
520	520	510amended by striking out, in lines 16, 25, 26, 45, 59, 62, 63, 65 and 66, the word “his” and
521	521	511inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following word:- their.
522	522	512 SECTION 76. The second paragraph of said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so
523	523	513appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- A city or town may, upon
524	524	514recommendation of the veterans’ agent and with written authorization from the veteran or
525	525	515dependent, disburse veterans’ benefits under this section by direct deposit to a financial
526	526	516institution of the veteran or dependent’s choice or by mail.
527	527	517 SECTION 77. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
528	528	518amended by striking out, in lines 22 and 74, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof, in
529	529	519each instance, the following word:- them.
530	530	520 SECTION 78. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
531	531	521amended by striking out, in line 27, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
532	532	522words:- the applicant. 26 of 40
533	533	523 SECTION 79. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
534	534	524amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “himself” and inserting in place thereof the
535	535	525following word:- themselves.
536	536	526 SECTION 80. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
537	537	527amended by striking out in lines 39, 43, 51, 54, 102 and 103, the word “his” and inserting in
538	538	528place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the veteran’s.
539	539	529 SECTION 81. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
540	540	530amended by striking out, in line 42, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
541	541	531words:- the secretary’s.
542	542	532 SECTION 82. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
543	543	533amended by striking out, in line 57, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
544	544	534words:- the veteran.
545	545	535 SECTION 83. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
546	546	536amended by striking out, in line 59, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following
547	547	537word:- They.
548	548	538 SECTION 84. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
549	549	539amended by striking out, in line 61, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof the following
550	550	540word:- they.
551	551	541 SECTION 85. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
552	552	542amended by striking out, in line 92, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
553	553	543words:- the veterans’ agent’s. 27 of 40
554	554	544 SECTION 86. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
555	555	545amended by striking out, in lines 95, 99 and 103, the word “mother” and inserting in place
556	556	546thereof, in each instance, the following word:- parent.
557	557	547 SECTION 87. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
558	558	548amended by striking out, in line 100, the word “her” and inserting in place thereof the following
559	559	549words:- the parent’s.
560	560	550 SECTION 88. Said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
561	561	551amended by striking out, in line 106, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
562	562	552words:- the secretary.
563	563	553 SECTION 89. The seventh paragraph of said section 5 of said chapter 115, as so
564	564	554appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following sentence:- An increase in income from a
565	565	555cost-of-living adjustment made to social security, supplemental security income or social
566	566	556security disability insurance shall not render a recipient ineligible for benefits under this chapter
567	567	557in the year that the cost-of-living adjustment was issued.
568	568	558 SECTION 90. Section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
569	569	559striking out, in lines 2, 8, 11, 57, 60 and 63 and 64, the words “mother or father” and inserting in
570	570	560place thereof, in each instance, the following word:- parent.
571	571	561 SECTION 91. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
572	572	562amended by striking out, in lines 16 and 17, the words “mother’s or father’s” and inserting in
573	573	563place thereof the following word:- parent’s. 28 of 40
574	574	564 SECTION 92. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
575	575	565amended by striking out, in line 33, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
576	576	566word:- the person.
577	577	567 SECTION 93. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
578	578	568amended by striking out, in line 40, the words “mother and father” and inserting in place thereof
579	579	569the following word:- parents.
580	580	570 SECTION 94. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
581	581	571amended by striking out, in line 41, the words “in his” and inserting in place thereof the
582	582	572following words:- within the secretary’s.
583	583	573 SECTION 95. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
584	584	574amended by striking out, in line 45, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
585	585	575words:- the secretary’s.
586	586	576 SECTION 96. Said section 5A of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
587	587	577amended by striking out, in lines 47 and 48, the words “the petition in his own name” and
588	588	578inserting in place thereof the following words:- a petition.
589	589	579 SECTION 97. Section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
590	590	580striking out, in line 3, the word “him”.
591	591	581 SECTION 98. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
592	592	582amended by striking out, in line 12, each time it appears, the word “him” and inserting in place
593	593	583thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the secretary. 29 of 40
594	594	584 SECTION 99. Said section 6 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
595	595	585amended by striking out, in lines 15 and 19, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each
596	596	586instance, the following words:- the secretary.
597	597	587 SECTION 100. Section 6A of said chapter 115 is hereby repealed.
598	598	588 SECTION 101. Section 6B of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition,
599	599	589is hereby amended by striking out, in lines 19, 28 and 35, the words “the sum of $2,000” and
600	600	590inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,250.
601	601	591 SECTION 102. Said section 6B of said chapter 115 is hereby further amended by striking
602	602	592out the figure “$2,250”, inserted by section 101, each time it appears, and inserting in place
603	603	593thereof, in each instance, the following figure:- $2,500.
604	604	594 SECTION 103. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official
605	605	595Edition, is hereby further amended by striking out, in lines 20, 29 and 35 and 36 the words “two
606	606	596equal payments on August and February 1” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the
607	607	597following words:- “1 payment on August 1.”
608	608	598 SECTION 104. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
609	609	599amended by striking out, in lines 21 and 30, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
610	610	600instance, the following words:- the veteran’s.
611	611	601 SECTION 105. Said section 6B of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
612	612	602amended by striking out, in lines 31 and 32 the words “, provided that the surviving spouse does
613	613	603not remarry,”. 30 of 40
614	614	604 SECTION 106. Section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
615	615	605striking out, in line 4, the word “He” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- The
616	616	606burial agent.
617	617	607 SECTION 107. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
618	618	608amended by striking out, in line 8, the words “his wife, or his widow” and inserting in place
619	619	609thereof the following words:- the veteran’s spouse, or widowed person.
620	620	610 SECTION 108. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
621	621	611amended by striking out, in line 10, the word “him” and inserting in place thereof the following
622	622	612words:- the burial agent.
623	623	613 SECTION 109. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
624	624	614amended by striking out, in lines 12 and 14, the word “he” and inserting in place thereof, in each
625	625	615instance, the following words:- the burial agent.
626	626	616 SECTION 110. Said section 7 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
627	627	617amended by striking out, in line 17 and 20, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof, in each
628	628	618instance, the following words:- the person’s.
629	629	619 SECTION 111. Section 8 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
630	630	620striking out, in line 23, the words “widow, or widower” and inserting in place thereof the
631	631	621following words:- widowed person.
632	632	622 SECTION 112. Section 9 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
633	633	623striking out the first sentence and inserting in place thereof the following sentence:- The mayor
634	634	624of every city and the select board of every town shall appoint a resident of such city or town who 31 of 40
635	635	625shall be a veteran as a veterans’ graves officer for a term to be determined by the appointing
636	636	626authority; provided, however, that said term shall not exceed five years; provided further, that if
637	637	627no qualified, willing and able veteran seeks such appointment, a spouse of a veteran or a member
638	638	628of a Gold Star family may be appointed as a veterans' graves officer.
639	639	629 SECTION 113. Said chapter 115 is hereby amended by inserting after section 9 the
640	640	630following section:-
641	641	631 Section 9A. The executive office of veterans’ services shall operate, maintain and expand
642	642	632the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial cemetery located in the city known as the town of
643	643	633Agawam and the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial cemetery located in the town of
644	644	634Winchendon and may add new cemetery locations, subject to the availability of funds, to meet
645	645	635veterans’ and veteran dependents’ needs; provided, however, that the office shall maintain the
646	646	636cemetery grounds, facilities and infrastructure and shall manage the burial and interment
647	647	637services. The executive office may adopt additional rules, regulations and policies as necessary
648	648	638to fulfill its responsibilities and ensure the proper functioning of the cemeteries under its control.
649	649	639 SECTION 114. Section 10 of said chapter 115, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition,
650	650	640is hereby amended by striking out, in line 23, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the
651	651	641following word:- such director’s.
652	652	642 SECTION 115. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
653	653	643amended by striking out, in lines 31 and 32, the words “duties of his office” and inserting in
654	654	644place thereof the following words:- office’s duties. 32 of 40
655	655	645 SECTION 116. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
656	656	646amended by striking out, in line 32, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
657	657	647words:- the director’s.
658	658	648 SECTION 117. Said section 10 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
659	659	649amended by striking out, in line 37, the words “his duties as treasurer of the district” and
660	660	650inserting in place thereof the following words:- the district treasurer’s duties.
661	661	651 SECTION 118. Section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
662	662	652striking out, in line 2, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- the
663	663	653mayors.
664	664	654 SECTION 119. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
665	665	655amended by striking out, in lines 3 and 4, the word “chairman” and inserting in place thereof the
666	666	656following word:- chair.
667	667	657 SECTION 120. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
668	668	658amended by striking out, in line 5, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
669	669	659words:- the town manager’s.
670	670	660 SECTION 121. Said section 11 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
671	671	661amended by striking out, in line 24, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
672	672	662words:- the treasurer’s.
673	673	663 SECTION 122. Section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
674	674	664striking out, in line 4, the words “he, and his duly accredited agents,” and inserting in place
675	675	665thereof the following words:- the director and the director’s agents. 33 of 40
676	676	666 SECTION 123. Said section 15 of said chapter 115, as so appearing, is hereby further
677	677	667amended by striking out, in line 11, the word “his” and inserting in place thereof the following
678	678	668word:- a.
679	679	669 SECTION 124. Section 16 of said chapter 115, inserted by section 53 of chapter 126 of
680	680	670the acts of 2022, is hereby amended by inserting after the first sentence the following sentence:-
681	681	671The board shall ensure that veterans receive state-based veteran benefits if they receive: (i) an
682	682	672other than honorable discharge on the basis of sex, race, color, religious creed, national origin,
683	683	673age, genetic information, ancestry, marital status or disability; or (ii) any United States
684	684	674Department of Veterans Affairs category eligible for a discharge upgrade, including, but not
685	685	675limited to, mental health conditions, military sexual trauma and traumatic brain injury. The
686	686	676executive office of veterans’ services shall promulgate rules and regulations to carry out this
687	687	677section.
688	688	678 SECTION 125. Said section 16 of said chapter 115, as so inserted, is hereby further
689	689	679amended by striking out, in lines 37, 40 and 50, the word “department” and inserting in place
690	690	680thereof the following words:- executive office.
691	691	681 SECTION 126. Said chapter 115 is hereby further amended by adding the following
692	692	682section:-
693	693	683 Section 18. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following
694	694	684meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
695	695	685 “Compensation”, payment of any money, thing of value or financial benefit. 34 of 40
696	696	686 “Person”, an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited
697	697	687liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental
698	698	688subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity.
699	699	689 “Veterans benefits matter”, the preparation, presentation or prosecution of any claim
700	700	690affecting any person who has filed or expressed an intent to file a claim for any benefit, program,
701	701	691service, commodity, function or status, entitlement to which is determined under the laws and
702	702	692regulations administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of
703	703	693Defense pertaining to veterans, their dependents, their survivors and any other individual eligible
704	704	694for such benefits.
705	705	695 (b) In regard to a veterans benefits matter, no person shall: (i) receive compensation for:
706	706	696(A) preparation, presentation, prosecution, advising, consulting or assisting any individual with
707	707	697regard to any veterans benefits matter, except as permitted under federal law; or (B) referring a
708	708	698veteran to another person to prepare, present, prosecute, advise, consult or assist such veteran
709	709	699with any veterans benefits matter; (ii) guarantee, either directly or by implication, that any
710	710	700individual is certain to receive specific veterans benefits or that any individual is certain to
711	711	701receive a specific level, percentage or amount of veterans benefits; or (iii) receive excessive or
712	712	702unreasonable fees under 38 C.F.R 14.636(e) as compensation for advising or assisting any
713	713	703veteran with any veterans benefits matter.
714	714	704 (c) A violation of this section shall also be a violation of chapter 93A.
715	715	705 SECTION 127. Chapter 115A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out
716	716	706section 1, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following
717	717	707section:- 35 of 40
718	718	708 Section 1. A person who is a veteran as defined in section 1 of chapter 115 shall be
719	719	709entitled to out-patient treatment at, admission to and hospitalization in a state-operated veterans'
720	720	710home, subject to the provisions of section 3.
721	721	711 SECTION 128. Section 9 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
722	722	712striking out, in line 3, the words “home in the city of Chelsea” and inserting in place thereof the
723	723	713following word:- homes.
724	724	714 SECTION 129. Section 12 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
725	725	715striking out, in line 1, the word “department” and inserting in place thereof the following words:-
726	726	716executive office.
727	727	717 SECTION 130. Said section 12 of said chapter 115A, as so appearing, is hereby further
728	728	718amended by striking out, in line 22, the words “department of veterans” and inserting in place
729	729	719thereof the following words:- executive office of veterans’.
730	730	720 SECTION 131. Section 3 of chapter 115B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
731	731	721hereby amended by striking out, in line 16 to 18, inclusive, the words “home in the city of
732	732	722Chelsea; and the chair of the board of trustees of the veterans’ home in the city of Holyoke” and
733	733	723inserting in place thereof the following words:- homes.
734	734	724 SECTION 132. Section 73B of chapter 272 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
735	735	725hereby amended by striking out, in lines 18, the second time it appears, and 23, the word
736	736	726“department” and inserting in place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- executive
737	737	727office. 36 of 40
738	738	728 SECTION 133. Section 11 of chapter 276A of the General Laws, as so appearing, is
739	739	729hereby amended by striking out, in lines 6 and 13, the words “the department” and inserting in
740	740	730place thereof, in each instance, the following words:- the executive office.
741	741	731 SECTION 134. Section 3 of chapter 71 of the acts of 1996, as amended by section 2 of
742	742	732chapter 468 of the acts of 2002, is hereby further amended by striking out the second paragraph.
743	743	733 SECTION 135. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, a member of
744	744	734a retirement system who is a member in service and a veteran who failed to make the purchase
745	745	735authorized in paragraph (h) of subdivision (1) of section 4 of chapter 32 of the General Laws
746	746	736pursuant to chapter 71 of the acts of 1996 shall be given a 1-time opportunity to apply to the
747	747	737retirement system to make said purchase within 1 year from the effective date of this act. Each
748	748	738retirement system shall provide written notice to all members in service of their potential
749	749	739eligibility for this purchase within 90 days of the effective date of this act.
750	750	740 SECTION 136. (a) The secretary of veterans’ services, in coordination with the executive
751	751	741office of health and human services, shall convene a working group to review alternative
752	752	742therapies for mental health treatments for veterans. The working group shall: (i) study whether
753	753	743psychedelic therapy is associated with improved outcomes among veterans with diagnosed
754	754	744mental health disorders; (ii) evaluate literature, research trials and expert opinions to determine if
755	755	745psychedelic therapy is associated with improved outcomes regarding mental health treatment for
756	756	746veterans; and (iii) issue recommendations regarding the provision of psychedelic therapy to treat
757	757	747veterans with mental health disorders in the commonwealth. As used in this section,
758	758	748“psychedelic therapy” shall mean the use of psilocybin, ketamine, or 3,4- 37 of 40
759	759	749methylenedioxymethamphetamine under the direction of a health care provider to treat mental
760	760	750health disorders.
761	761	751 (b) The secretary shall appoint the following members to the working group: 2 members
762	762	752who shall represent medical centers or hospitals in the commonwealth that serve veterans; 2
763	763	753members who shall represent health insurance companies; 2 members who shall represent
764	764	754veterans’ services organizations; 1 member who shall represent an organization currently
765	765	755studying the subject matter of alternative therapies for mental health treatment of veterans; 1
766	766	756member who shall represent the Center for the Neuroscience of Psychedelics at Massachusetts
767	767	757General Hospital; and such other members with experience in behavioral health or veterans’
768	768	758services as the secretary deems necessary. The secretary shall designate a chair of the working
769	769	759group from the membership of the group.
770	770	760 (c) Not later than January 1, 2025, the working group shall file a report of its findings and
771	771	761any recommendations with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate, the joint
772	772	762committee on veterans and federal affairs and the joint committee on mental health, substance
773	773	763use and recovery.
774	774	764 SECTION 137. (a) There shall be a special commission to study post-traumatic stress
775	775	765disorder in the commonwealth.
776	776	766 (b) The commission shall consist of: the secretary of health and human services, or a
777	777	767designee, who shall serve as chair; the secretary of public safety and security, or a designee; the
778	778	768secretary of veterans’ services, or a designee; the commissioner of mental health, or a designee;
779	779	769the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on mental health, substance use and recovery;
780	780	770a representative of the National Guard appointed by the adjutant general of the Massachusetts 38 of 40
781	781	771National Guard; and 9 members to be appointed by the secretary of health and human services, 1
782	782	772of whom shall be an expert from the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders Laboratory at
783	783	773Harvard University in consultation with their relevant specialty chapters, 1 of whom shall be a
784	784	774representative of Boston Children's Hospital, 1 of whom shall be a representative of the
785	785	775Massachusetts Police Association, Inc., 1 of whom shall be a representative of Jane Doe Inc.:
786	786	776The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, 1 of whom shall be
787	787	777a representative from Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, Inc., 1 of
788	788	778whom shall be a representative of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, 1 of whom shall
789	789	779be a representative of the Massachusetts Corrections Officers Federated Union, 1 of whom shall
790	790	780be a representative of a research advocacy or support organization primarily serving individuals
791	791	781with post-traumatic stress disorder and 1 of whom shall be a representative of Massachusetts
792	792	782General Hospital Home Base program.
793	793	783 (c) The commission shall: (i) assess and summarize the advances made in research on and
794	794	784treatment and diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (ii) assess and summarize the advances
795	795	785made in access to care for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (iii)
796	796	786assess and summarize research services and support activities for post-traumatic stress disorder
797	797	787across the commonwealth, including coordination of the commonwealth's activities and
798	798	788programs with respect to post-traumatic stress disorder; and (iv) develop a comprehensive
799	799	789strategic plan to improve health outcomes for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic
800	800	790stress disorder including, but not limited to, recommendations to: (A) advance research on post-
801	801	791traumatic stress disorder; (B) improve the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder; (C)
802	802	792improve public awareness and recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder; (D) improve mental
803	803	793health care delivery for individuals with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; (E) 39 of 40
804	804	794improve the early and accurate diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder; and (F) systematically
805	805	795advance the full spectrum of biomedical research on post-traumatic stress disorder.
806	806	796 (d) The commission shall submit its findings and recommendations to the clerks of the
807	807	797house of representatives and senate not later than July 1, 2025.
808	808	798 SECTION 138. The executive office of veterans’ services, in consultation with the
809	809	799department of revenue, shall study property tax abatements and exemptions for veterans and
810	810	800surviving spouses pursuant to chapter 59 of the General Laws. The study shall include, but not be
811	811	801limited to: (i) veteran property tax exemptions in other states; (ii) the utilization of a sliding scale
812	812	802based on the percentage of a veteran’s disability for the awarding of such exemption to veterans
813	813	803and spouses; (iii) determination of the relation of tax abatements and exemptions to United States
814	814	804Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating; (iv) the financial impact these tax exemptions
815	815	805have on veterans with disabilities; and (v) any anticipated monetary cost that the exemptions may
816	816	806cause. The office shall file a report of its findings and recommendations with the joint committee
817	817	807on veterans and federal affairs, the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the
818	818	808senate and house committees on ways and means not later than December 31, 2024.
819	819	809 SECTION 139. There shall be a special commission to study and develop proposals for
820	820	810ways to improve the quality of life of veterans in the commonwealth, including, but not limited
821	821	811to, employment opportunities for veterans. The commission shall collaborate with veterans’
822	822	812organizations in the commonwealth to develop such proposals. The commission shall consist of:
823	823	813the secretary of veterans’ services or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the veteran advocate or
824	824	814a designee; a representative from BRAVE for Veterans, Inc.; 2 persons appointed by the
825	825	815governor with experience in veterans’ advocacy; 3 persons appointed by the senate president 40 of 40
826	826	816with experiencing working with veterans; 1 person appointed by the speaker of the house of
827	827	817representatives who is a veteran or the spouse or family member of a veteran; 1 person appointed
828	828	818by the senate minority leader who is a veteran or the spouse or family member of a veteran; and
829	829	819an attorney with experience in veterans issues in the commonwealth, appointed by the minority
830	830	820leader of the house of representatives.
831	831	821 Not later than December 31, 2024, the commission shall submit a report of its findings to
832	832	822the joint committee on veterans and federal affairs, the clerks of the senate and house of
833	833	823representatives and the senate and house committees on ways and means.
834	834	824 SECTION 140. Sections 25 and 27 shall take effect on taxable years beginning on
835	835	825January 1, 2024.
836	836	826 SECTION 141. Sections 29 and 33 to 39, inclusive, shall take effect 6 months after the
837	837	827effective date of this act.
838	838	828 SECTION 142. Sections 60 and 101 shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
839	839	829 SECTION 143. Section 102 shall take effect on July 1, 2025.