Bill > H3872

This bill establishes the Office of the Military and Veteran Advocate as an independent agency dedicated to supporting veterans, servicemembers, and their families 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 care services provided by executive agencies, and investigating incidents where veterans suffer serious injury or fatality while receiving services. The Veteran Advocate will be appointed by a majority vote of the Attorney General, State Auditor, and Governor, chosen from a list of three nominees submitted by a diverse nominating committee that includes representatives from various state agencies and veterans organizations. The Advocate will serve a five-year term and can be selected based on expertise in areas like military culture, veteran welfare, healthcare, public administration, and justice, without regard to political affiliation. The office is tasked with producing an annual public report to the Governor and legislative committees, analyzing service delivery and recommending improvements for veterans' support systems. The bill also provides comprehensive definitions of terms like "Active Duty," "Armed Forces," and "Uniformed Services" to clarify the scope of the office's mission.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3872