Bill > S2489

This bill modernizes Chapter 115, which governs veterans' benefits and services in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Expanding the definition of "veteran" to include additional categories of service members. - Enhancing the role and responsibilities of the Secretary of Veterans' Services, including overseeing the administration of benefits, establishing application procedures, and deciding appeals. - Requiring veterans' agents to conduct outreach and accept applications through a common state benefits portal. - Establishing a commission to investigate potential employment discrimination against veterans. - Creating a program to help businesses attract, hire, train and retain veteran employees. - Providing information to service members and veterans about civilian licensing and certification opportunities related to their military training and skills. - Protecting the confidentiality of information shared between veterans and benefits officers. - Streamlining the appeals process for veterans denied or terminated from benefits. - Creating a veterans equality review board to consider claims from LGBTQ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies. - Enhancing oversight and administration of state-operated veterans' homes.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2489