An Act relative to eligibility of non-Massachusetts origin veterans for state veteran bonus awards

This bill updates Massachusetts veteran bonus eligibility for veterans who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991). It expands eligibility to veterans who moved to Massachusetts after their service by allowing either 6 months of residency before entering service or 10 years of residency after discharge. Qualifying veterans receive $500 for Persian Gulf service with the Southwest Asia Service Medal, or $300 for other qualifying National Guard/Reserve service during the same period. The changes apply specifically to veterans who served during those operations and meet the revised residency requirements.