Bill > H2769

This bill amends Section 3 of Chapter 115 of the General Laws to change the appointment process for veterans' agents and service officers. The key provisions are: 1) Mayors of cities (except Boston) and selectmen of towns must appoint a veterans' agent/veterans' service officer to handle the disbursement of veterans' benefits in their city or town. 2) Towns with a part-time veterans' agent/veterans' service officer must have the town clerk receive applications and assist applicants for veterans' benefits, and submit the applications to the veterans' agent/veterans' service officer. 3) Two or more contiguous towns can jointly appoint one full-time veterans' agent/veterans' service officer and necessary additional staff, with the towns apportioning the compensation. 4) The appointment of a veterans' agent/veterans' service officer does not create a civil service position, and any such officer who has held the position for at least 3 years and is certified by the Department of Veterans' Services cannot be involuntarily separated and has the same rights and protections as veterans under Section 9A of Chapter 30 of the General Laws.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H2769