H 3870 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act amending the definition of veteran

This bill amends Massachusetts law to expand the definition of "veteran" by adding specific federal service branches. It directly affects members of the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, the United States Public Health Service, and the United States Space Force who previously may not have qualified as veterans under state law. The key provision adds these entities to the existing list of qualifying services in M.G.L. ch. 4, s. 7, clause 43(b). This change ensures these service members receive the same state-level veteran benefits and recognition as other military personnel.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jun 1, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Paul McMurtry
Paul McMurtry
DDemocratic
MA
11th Norfolk