Bill > H3832

This bill amends the Massachusetts General Laws by adding legal definitions for "Gold Star parent" and "Gold Star spouse", which are terms used to recognize family members of military service members who died during active military service. Specifically, the bill defines a "Gold Star parent" as any parent of a military service member whose death occurred as a result of injury, illness, or disease sustained during active service, provided the death was not due to the service member's gross negligence or misconduct. Similarly, a "Gold Star spouse" is defined as any spouse of a military service member who died under the same circumstances during active service. These definitions provide official recognition and potentially establish a legal basis for how these family members of fallen service members are identified and potentially supported, though the specific implications beyond definition are not detailed in this bill. The term "Gold Star" has long been used to honor and memorialize families who have lost a loved one in military service, and this bill appears to be formalizing that recognition within Massachusetts state law.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3832