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April 17, 2026 Clouds | 67°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.1917 194th (Current)

An Act relative to the definition of veteran for public retirees

By Mr. Velis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1917) of John C. Velis for legislation relative to the definition of Veteran for public retirees. Public Service.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
John C. Velis
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means

Retirement System

In 2004, the definition of veteran expanded for retirees to include those who served during non-wartime periods, as well as National Guard duty in very limited cases. Unfortunately, this law was only applied prospectively, from 8/26/04 forward. That meant the expanded definition of veteran did not apply to those, who retired on a superannuation (regular) retirement before 8/26/04 and had non-wartime military service (or National Guard duty in limited cases). These veterans were not eligible for the vets bonus (up to $300 annually), despite their military service. This bill would extend the expanded definition of veteran to those, who have the requisite non-wartime or National Guard duty and retired on a superannuation retirement before 8/26/04 for purposes of the vets bonus only. If enacted, they would then be eligible to receive the vets bonus prospectively from the effective date of the law. There is a local option provision for acceptance by local retirement systems.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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