Bill > S2709

This bill enhances support and protections for military-connected families across several key areas of Massachusetts state law. It expands jurisdictional agreements between state and federal courts for handling juvenile offenses on military installations, allows the governor to more easily accept the transfer of federal jurisdictional control over military properties, and requires the Adjutant General to track and publicly report suicide rates among Massachusetts National Guard veterans while protecting individual privacy. For military-connected students, the bill mandates that school districts take specific steps to support their educational continuity, including maintaining enrollment in their original school even after a parent's military relocation, ensuring comparable special education services are provided during transfers, and prohibiting school districts from blocking such transfers. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "military protective orders" and allows these orders issued by military commanding officers to be admissible as evidence in protective order proceedings. The legislation aims to provide comprehensive support for military families by addressing legal, educational, and protective service needs, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those connected to military service.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2709