Bill > S2632

This bill makes several changes related to veterans' benefits, rights, appreciation, validation, and enforcement in Massachusetts. Key provisions include: - Establishing annual proclamations recognizing Gold Star Wives Day and Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, and requiring the prominent display of the Gold Star Flag on the State House property on those days. - Providing one-time cash payments of up to $1,000 to veterans who served in certain combat operations, with additional payments for subsequent deployments. - Creating the Massachusetts Veterans and Warriors to Agriculture Program Fund to enhance the education, training, employment, income, productivity, and retention of veterans working or aspiring to work in agriculture. - Prohibiting appointing authorities from requiring veterans to provide their military medical or service records as a condition of employment, with exceptions. - Allowing members of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps to receive up to 4 years of creditable service in public pension systems. - Increasing the number of days National Guard members can take leave for military service from 17 to 40 per year. - Allowing municipalities to designate veteran-only parking spaces at city or town halls, with penalties for non-compliance. The bill also makes changes to various property tax exemptions and benefits for veterans, their spouses, and surviving family members.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S2632