Massachusetts Senate Bill S2468

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Amending death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and the organized militia of the Commonwealth

Impact

The proposed amendments to Section 88 of Chapter 33 in Massachusetts law are designed to enhance the compensation framework for military personnel. By explicitly defining members of the armed forces and organized militia and involving the Death Gratuity Board in the process, the bill may lead to a more equitable compensation system. This adjustment is intended to simplify the proceedings for determining death benefits, ensuring that claims are managed more systematically and fairly, aligning state laws with federal definitions and practices under Titles 10 and 32 of the U.S. Code.

Summary

Bill S2468 seeks to amend the provisions related to death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and organized militia of Massachusetts. The bill aims to clarify and broaden the eligibility criteria for compensation to ensure that service members who die or become disabled while on duty receive appropriate support. Key definitions and terms in the existing law will be updated to reflect the current structure of military service, particularly in regards to 'Qualified Duty Status'.

Contention

Debate surrounding Bill S2468 may focus on the interpretation of the amendments and their implications for existing compensation processes. Stakeholders might scrutinize the language of the bill, particularly how the changes in terms and definitions could impact future claims. Proponents argue that clarified language will lead to better support for service members' families, while critics may express concern about the potential for bureaucratic delays or redistributions that could inadvertently disadvantage certain groups of service members.