H 3871
An Act authorizing amending, updating, and aligning the Commonwealth’s definition of veteran
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to update and clarify the definition of ‘veteran’ as used within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Currently, the definition may not fully encompass all individuals who have served in the military. The bill aims to align the Massachusetts definition with federal standards and potentially broaden eligibility for certain veteran-related benefits and programs. It is intended to ensure consistency and fairness in recognizing and supporting veterans’ needs.
Key provisions
- Updates the definition of ‘veteran’ to align with federal standards.
- Expands the categories of service that qualify an individual as a veteran.
- Clarifies eligibility for veteran benefits and programs.
- Addresses potential gaps in the current definition.
- Ensures consistency in applying the definition across state agencies.
Who is affected
- Veterans
- Massachusetts residents who have served in the military
- State agencies administering veteran benefits
- Families of veterans
Notable changes
- Potential expansion of the definition to include specific types of military service.
- Alignment with federal definitions of veteran status.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kelly W. Pease
Cosponsors
Adam J. Scanlon
Dennis C. Gallagher
James C. Arena-DeRosa
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.3871 194th (Current)
An Act authorizing amending, updating, and aligning the Commonwealth’s definition of veteran
By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3871) of Kelly W. Pease, Dennis C. Gallagher and Kenneth P. Sweezey relative to the definition of veteran. Veterans and Federal Affairs.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kelly W. Pease Status: Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 5 actions for Bill H.3871
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/19/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/30/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 9/30/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 09/30/2025 from 01:00 PM-02:50 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 1/22/2026 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means |
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