Bill increases benefits and modernizes services for Massachusetts veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
(BOSTON—8/05/2024) Thursday morning, a final compromise version of An Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Service Members and Veterans (HERO Act) officially passed the Massachusetts Legislature following weeks of negotiations led by Senator John C. Velis. The final compromise legislation is designed to boost support for hundreds of thousands of individuals across the state who have served or are currently serving in the United States military.
Among other pieces, the final legislation increases benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members, bolsters new and existing initiatives for municipalities and businesses to support veterans, creates comprehensive services for active-duty service members and military families, updates the Chapter 115 definition of a veteran to expand eligibility, and codifies medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits under state veterans benefits program..
“Massachusetts has a long history of prioritizing the needs of our veterans and service members and I am thrilled that the HERO Act is on its way to the Governor’s desk to continue this tradition. The final legislation is a product of collaboration—taking the strongest elements from the Governor’s original bill, the House’s bill, and the Senate’s own diligent work—to create a comprehensive package that will expand services and resources for veterans, active duty service members, and military families throughout the Commonwealth,” stated Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs and lead Senate negotiator on the final bill. “Less than one half of one percent of our nation bravely raises their right hand and pledges to defend our nation no matter the costs. We must always remember, recognize, and honor these sacrifices however we can, and passage of this legislation is an important step towards fulfilling that mission.”
The final compromise legislation includes the following policy measures among others:
Veteran Benefits, Opportunities, and Protections
- Increases annuity for 100% disabled veterans and Gold Star Spouses/Parents to $2,500
- Increases tax credit for businesses hiring a veteran to $2,500 to support veteran employment
- Increases access to Active-Duty Buyback program for veterans in public service
- Expands eligibility for Chapter 115 state veterans’ benefits program
- Streamlines Chapter 115 benefits appeals process and allows municipalities to disburse veterans’ benefits through direct deposit instead of mail
- Ensures that outpatient behavioral health treatment is reimbursable under Chapter 115 program
- Provides municipalities with path to double current veteran property tax exemptions and/or tie annual property tax exemption increases to inflation
- Requires veterans’ benefits notice to be provided to employers to ensure awareness of benefits
- Protects Massachusetts veterans from predatory “claim sharks” that charge hefty fees and target veterans seeking assistance filing claims for federal veteran benefits
Services and Resources for Service-Members and Military Families
- Establishes a state military spouse liaison to conduct outreach and support military spouses in Massachusetts
- Requires school districts to provide specific supports to military-connected students
- Increases access to childcare on military installations by accepted US Department of Defense Childcare provider licenses
- Allows for a military medic equivalency waiver for veterans seeking state EMT certification
- Requires DCF to enter into memorandums of understanding with the military to improve reporting for child abuse incidents
Expanded Recognitions of Military Service
- Requires annual proclamation and lighting of bridges across the Commonwealth on Memorial Day in recognition of Gold Star families
- Requires state flags to be flown at half-staff for military service events, including when a Massachusetts service-member is killed in active duty
- Ensures awareness and accessibility for Medal of Liberty for next of kin of Massachusetts service-members
- Ensures US Space Force, including unit at Hanscom Air Base in Massachusetts, is appropriately recognized and defined in state law
“We have a responsibility to support and empower every person who has served and sacrificed for our nation once they return home—as well as their families,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are a Commonwealth that has the deepest respect and gratitude to our veterans, and the HERO Act doubles down on that commitment to our service members by delivering the support that they and their families deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Senator John Velis for his work and sustained leadership on this issue, all of the conferees, and to Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House for their efforts to get this important legislation over the finish line.”
A compromise having passed the Legislature, the bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
###