Bill > S2459

This bill establishes a Massachusetts Orange Heart Medal for service members and veterans who suffered service-connected diseases, conditions, or injuries related to exposure to harmful toxins like Agent Orange and burn pits during military service. The bill creates a Veterans Agent Orange Advisory Board to develop and administer an Agent Orange Information and Assistance Program, which will provide comprehensive support for Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-September 11 veterans potentially affected by chemical agent exposure. The program's key functions include studying health effects of chemical agents, providing medical information to health professionals, monitoring federal and state policies, offering genetic screening and counseling, maintaining a central registry of exposed veterans, helping veterans file compensation claims, and advocating for veterans' concerns. The board will consist of five members appointed by the secretary of veterans' services and the governor, with a majority being veterans knowledgeable about veterans' benefits and programs. Agent Orange is specifically defined as a herbicide containing chemicals like trichlorophenoxyacetic acid and its contaminant tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin, and the program aims to identify, assist, and support veterans who may have been exposed to such harmful substances during their military service.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2459