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HD 3324

An Act honoring as veterans certain persons who served in the National Guard and Reserves

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Day

The bill creates a ceremonial category “reserve veteran” for National Guard/Reserve members with 20+ years service, recognized statewide but not granting new benefits.

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Bill Summary · HD 3324

Summary: House Bill HD 3324 — An Act honoring as veterans certain persons who served in the National Guard and Reserves

Overview

HD 3324 proposes to formally recognize certain National Guard and Reserve members as veterans within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill defines a specific category, “reserve veteran,” and directs the state to acknowledge their service in ceremonial and honorary contexts, while explicitly stating that reserve veterans would not automatically gain veterans benefits solely by this designation.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of “Reserve veteran” (Section 1, added to Clause Forty-third of section 7 of Chapter 4):

    • A reserve veteran is a person whose last discharge from the National Guard or Reserve was under honorable conditions.
    • The person must have completed at least 20 years of service (as computed under 10 U.S.C. § 12732).
    • The definition is expressly not to be used as a sole basis for veteran status; eligibility for veteran benefits must still be determined by existing law.

  • Recognition and outreach (Section 2, added as new Section 16 to Chapter 115):

    • Reserve veterans shall be honored and recognized as veterans in the Commonwealth.
    • A reserve veteran shall not be eligible for benefits under Chapter 115 or any other general or special law solely due to being a reserve veteran.
    • The Commissioner (presumably the state’s Veterans’ Services agency) must develop a program to outreach to reserve veterans, to effectively recognize their service and ensure their inclusion in all honorary and ceremonial veteran events throughout the state.

Who is Affected

  • Individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserves, with at least 20 years of service and an honorable discharge.
  • State agencies and the Commissioner of Veterans’ Services, which would implement outreach and ceremonial inclusion programs.
  • The bill does not alter benefit eligibility rules beyond asserting that reserve veteran status alone does not confer benefits.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced/Filed: The bill text indicates it was filed January 17, 2025 (House Docket No. 3324, House No. 3835). Noted in parallel materials is a mention of similar matter in a prior session.
  • Effective Date: The text provided does not specify an explicit effective date; standard statutory practice would apply unless the bill states otherwise.
  • Related Legislation: Similar matter was previously filed as House Bill No. 3494 (2023-2024).

Potential Impact

  • Provides formal statewide recognition for Reserve veterans and ensures their service is acknowledged in ceremonies and events.
  • Creates an outreach program without expanding eligibility for benefits, avoiding automatic benefit changes.
  • Establishes administrative responsibilities for the Commissioner to implement recognition initiatives.

Notes

  • The bill uses 10 U.S.C. § 12732 for the 20-year service calculation.
  • The bill’s intent is ceremonial recognition rather than expansion of benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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