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