An Act amending the definition of veteran

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick Kearney

Expands Massachusetts' veteran definition to include NOAA Corps, Public Health Service, and Space Force, broadening eligibility for state veteran programs.

Referred to the committee on House Rules

Quick overview

Bill number/title: HD 4573 — An Act amending the definition of veteran

Introduced: April 24, 2025

Filed / Docket details: House Docket No. 4573; Filed April 16, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Patrick Joseph Kearney (4th Plymouth)

Status: Referred to the committee on House Rules

Context: This is a proposed bill within the Massachusetts General Court. A similar measure was previously filed as House 3671 in the 2021-2022 session.

What the bill would do

Core change: The bill amends the definition of “veteran” in Massachusetts law.

Legal citation affected: M.G.L. ch. 4, § 7, clause 43, part (b).

Exact statutory change: The language would add after the words “Coast Guard” the following: “United States NOAA Corps, United States Public Health Service, United States Space Force.”

In effect, individuals serving in these three federal service branches would be included in the state’s definition of “veteran” alongside the Coast Guard in that clause.

Key provisions and implications

Scope of inclusion: Adds three federal service components to the established Massachusetts definition of “veteran”:

United States NOAA Corps
United States Public Health Service
United States Space Force

Potential eligibility effects: Broadening the definition may affect eligibility for state veteran programs, recognition, benefits, services, or prioritization that are tied to the legal definition of “veteran.” The bill itself specifies the definitional change; it does not detail new programs or funding within the text provided.

Administration: The modification is a definitional change, not a program-by-program expansion. Any specific benefits or services would rely on other statutes or administrative guidelines that reference the veteran definition.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Individuals who served in the United States NOAA Corps, United States Public Health Service, or United States Space Force—if/when Massachusetts uses the state’s definition of “veteran” to determine eligibility for programs, recognition, or benefits.

Broader impact: State agencies administering veteran-related programs may need to adjust their eligibility criteria and communications to reflect the expanded definition.

Procedural and timeline notes

Introduced: April 24, 2025

Filed: April 16, 2025

Motion/Referral: Referred to the Committee on House Rules (April 24, 2025)

Legislative path: As a House-passed petition (subject to Joint Rule 12), it would require committee action, potential amendments, and passage by both houses before any enactment.

Notes: The bill references a similar measure previously filed (House 3671, 2021-2022), indicating ongoing consideration of this definitional expansion.

This summary focuses on the substantive change: expanding the state’s definition of “veteran” to include three additional federal service paths and the potential practical effects on eligibility for veteran-related programs in Massachusetts.

Bill