Improving Benefits and Services for Veterans, Active Military Members and Families
BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) announced the passage of legislation designed to expand benefits and increase access to a range of services for veterans, active-duty military and their families, known as the “BRAVE Act.”
Understanding the sacrifice that military personnel and their families make not only while on active duty, but also after returning home, the Massachusetts Legislature has consistently provided a continuum of major veteran legislation to help with those who sacrifice the most for our freedoms.
“This bill seeks to support and honor those who have given themselves in service to our Nation,” said Senator Moore. “The provisions of the legislation also reaffirm our deep appreciation to the men and women of our Armed Forces, and their families. I am proud to have supported the passage of this bill, and to celebrate veterans’ contributions to promote freedom on the home-front and abroad.”
On the recognition front, the legislation designates the 5th day of April as Gold Star Wives Day and the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mothers and Families Day and directs cities and towns to designate reserved parking for veterans at all city and town halls.
The bill also grants paid military leave for those called to duty by the armed forces for up to 40 days for training and operation purposes.
A Moore-championed provision was also included to help ease the costs of housing, the legislation changes the requirement for veterans to receive property tax exemptions from residing in the Commonwealth for five years down to two years. It also increases the amount a veteran can earn on their property tax exemption for volunteering in their city or town.
The BRAVE Act increases the burial expense paid by commonwealth from $2,000 to $4,000 for indigent veterans to receive to adequately provide for a dignified funeral. It also exempts any veterans who receive annuities for service to their country from income calculations when applying for state programs or services.
The bill also:
- Addresses emergency medical transportation reimbursements;
- Revises the Veteran Court Diversion program;
- Updates the veteran bonus program at the State Treasurer’s Office,
- Directs cities and towns to designate veteran specific parking spaces and city and town halls;
- Exempts any veteran receiving a veterans annuity from declaring such as income for the purposes of calculating eligibility for other state programs and services;
- Provides veterans time off, with or without pay, at the discretion of the employer, for Memorial and Veterans Day so they can take part in ceremonies in their community;
- Establishes several studies and analysis regarding higher education, incarcerated veterans, creditable service and National Guard recognition.
To view the law, please visit the Legislature's website by clicking below.