Bill > S2468

This bill amends the existing law regarding death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and organized militia in Massachusetts by making several key changes. The bill expands the definition of eligible personnel from just "officers or enlisted persons of the Massachusetts organized militia" to "members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts organized militia". It establishes a formal "Death Gratuity Board" to review and make recommendations about compensation for service members who die while performing lawfully ordered duties. The bill clarifies that compensation will be considered for deaths arising from qualified duty status, which includes State Active Duty and service under federal Titles 10 and 32. Additionally, the bill modifies the language around qualifying circumstances for death benefits, broadening the scope of when compensation might be awarded. The bill also adds a provision that the Death Gratuity Board will make recommendations to the Adjutant General, who will serve as the final adjudicative authority for such claims. These changes appear designed to provide more comprehensive and clear guidelines for death and disability compensation for Massachusetts military personnel.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2468