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
Paul McMurtry
DDemocratic
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