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HD 3109

An Act in support of veterans and dependents through municipal tax bills

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Cusack

Massachusetts cities and towns may add a voluntary check-off on tax bills to fund local veterans and dependents, overseen by the town's veterans agent, with state approval.

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Bill Summary · HD 3109

Summary: An Act in support of veterans and dependents through municipal tax bills (House Docket No. 3109)

Overview

This proposed Massachusetts bill would authorize cities and towns to offer residents a voluntary contribution option on municipal tax bills (including property taxes and motor vehicle excise taxes) to support veterans and their dependents in need. Donations would be added to the tax bill as an increased amount and directed to a local account overseen by the town’s veterans agent.

  • Bill number: HD 3109
  • Title: An Act in support of veterans and dependents through municipal tax bills
  • Introduced: January 16, 2025 (House Docket No. 3109, filed by Rep. Mark J. Cusack)
  • Status: Proposed bill (as of the provided information)
  • Context: Similar matter previously filed in 2023-2024 (House No. 3493)

Purpose and intent

  • Create a voluntary, local mechanism to raise funds for veterans and their dependents in need.
  • Leverage municipal tax bills as a conduit for charitable contributions to support local veterans services.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Authorization for municipalities
    • A city or town may designate a place on its municipal tax bills, or motor vehicle excise tax bills, or accompany such bills with a separate form.
    • Taxpayers may voluntarily check off a donation amount to be added to the amount due.
    • The donated funds are paid into an account under the supervision of the local veterans agent for the purpose of supporting veterans and dependents in need.
    • Implementation is subject to approvals by the commissioner of revenue and the city/town’s legislative body.
  • Section 2: Effective date
    • The act would take effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Municipalities (cities and towns) in Massachusetts that choose to adopt the program.
  • Local veterans agents and their offices, which would oversee the designated fund/manage the donated accounts.
  • Taxpayers who pay municipal property taxes or motor vehicle excise taxes and may choose to contribute.
  • Massachusetts Department of Revenue (through required approvals for implementation).

Implementation and timeline

  • Adoption requires approval from both the local legislative body and the state commissioner of revenue.
  • Implementation would occur via a designated form or check-off on current tax bills or via a separate accompanying form.
  • Effective date is “upon passage,” meaning immediate operative status after enactment.

Fiscal and administrative considerations

  • No explicit state appropriation is described; funds would flow from volunteers through the local tax system into a dedicated veterans’ account.
  • Administrative burden includes setting up the check-off mechanism, tracking contributions, and reporting for the local veterans agent.

Legislative context

  • The bill references a similar matter previously filed in the 2023-2024 session (House No. 3493), indicating ongoing interest in a local, voluntary fundraising mechanism to support veterans.

Bottom line

HD 3109 would provide Massachusetts municipalities with a voluntary, donor-supported option to supplement local veterans’ services by adding a check-off contribution on tax bills, with funds controlled by the local veterans agent and designated for veterans and dependents in need. The program would require both local and state approval to operate and would take effect upon passage.

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

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