Bill > H3852

This bill addresses multiple aspects of veteran support and recognition in Massachusetts, covering health awareness, education, benefits, and commemorative efforts. The bill requires the Department of Public Health to develop educational materials about health effects associated with open burn pits during military deployments, including creating an informational pamphlet and database to track veterans exposed to toxic airborne chemicals. It mandates that state agencies collaborate to contact and encourage veterans to join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, with specific focus on veterans from certain military operations. The bill also expands the Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program to allow service members to share their tuition credits with dependent family members. Additionally, the legislation establishes several annual commemorative days for different military branches, creates a special commission to investigate a memorial for Deborah Samson, and establishes a Veteran Equality Review Board to help veterans discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy access state-based veteran benefits. Other provisions include requiring funeral directors to provide information about veterans' funeral and burial benefits and allowing veterans' organizations to obtain limited slot machine licenses for charitable purposes.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3852