Bill > S2466

This bill establishes a new, independent Office of the Military and Veteran Advocate to provide comprehensive support and oversight for veterans and servicemembers in Massachusetts. The office will have broad responsibilities, including ensuring humane and dignified treatment of veterans receiving state services, coordinating with local veterans service agents to help veterans access state and federal benefits, examining and advising on veteran care systems, investigating incidents of potential harm or neglect to veterans, and developing procedures to improve service delivery. The Veteran Advocate will be appointed through a collaborative process involving the Attorney General, State Auditor, and Governor, chosen from a list of nominees by a diverse nominating committee that includes representatives from various state agencies, veterans organizations, and veteran homes. The Advocate will serve a five-year term, can be appointed for up to two full terms, and must be selected based on expertise in areas like military culture, veteran welfare, justice, healthcare, and public administration. The office is designed to be independent of executive agency control and will be required to submit an annual public report detailing its activities, service delivery analysis, and recommendations for improving veteran services in the Commonwealth.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2466