Bill > S1911

This bill proposes to amend existing Massachusetts General Laws to define two important terms related to military service and casualties. First, it clarifies the definition of "military duty" to encompass full-time active service in the United States military, including training, National Guard or Reserve duty, and related travel, even if inactive or between assignments. Building on this, the bill defines "Gold Star" to refer to the status of a member of the armed forces, reserve component, or National Guard who has died due to an injury, illness, or disease incurred or aggravated while on military duty, provided it was not due to their own gross negligence or misconduct. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "Killed in action," which is a casualty classification by the U.S. Department of Defense for service members who die during military operations outside the United States in a recognized conflict.