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H 4688

An Act making August 10th Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga and 19 co-sponsors

Designates August 10 as Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts and requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation observing it.

Hearing scheduled for 11/25/2025 from 12:00 PM-05:00 PM in Written Testimony Only
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Bill Summary · H 4688

Summary: H 4688 — An Act Making August 10th Agent Orange Awareness Day in Massachusetts

Purpose and intent

  • Designates August 10th each year as Agent Orange Awareness Day in the Commonwealth.
  • Requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation setting apart August 10 and recommending observance in an appropriate manner.
  • Declares the act an emergency law, intended for immediate effect to preserve public convenience.

Key provisions

  • Legislative text (Part I, Title II, Chapter 6, Section 15XXXXX) directs the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing August 10 as Agent Orange Awareness Day and to encourage observance by Massachusetts residents.
  • The bill provides background and justification tied to Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War, including its documented health risks and historical context, to support the designation and observance.
  • The act is framed as a unilateral state-level recognition with no explicit funding or programmatic spending authorizations in the bill.

Who is affected

  • Vietnam-era veterans and their families, particularly those in Massachusetts who were exposed to Agent Orange.
  • Massachusetts state government, particularly the Governor’s office (for annual proclamations) and agencies involved in public awareness or commemorative observances.
  • The general public in Massachusetts, which would be encouraged to observe the day in an appropriate manner.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: September 18, 2025.
  • Filed: August 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 5056; House No. 4688).
  • Primary sponsors: Representatives James K. Hawkins (Attleboro) and Kelly W. Pease (Westfield), among others.
  • Committee pathway: Referred to House Rules (September 18, 2025); subsequently reported to Joint Rules and then to the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight committee (October 2, 2025).
  • Legislative actions indicate Senate concurrence on October 30, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for November 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with testimony limited to written submissions (Written Testimony Only).
  • Related bills: HD 5056 is identified as related and noted as replacing this measure in some references.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Symbolic and commemorative impact: Reinforces recognition of Agent Orange exposure and its veterans’ sacrifices; raises public awareness about associated health risks.
  • Administrative effect: Requires annual executive proclamation, which is a routine gubernatorial duty; no new programs or funding mechanisms are specified.
  • Timeliness: The emergency clause indicates an intention for immediate effect upon enactment, ensuring timely observance beginning with the first August 10 proclamation after passage.

Note on status

  • As of the hearing notice, the bill is moving through the House with a scheduled hearing in Written Testimony Only format. Senate concurrence has occurred, indicating cross-chamber support or alignment at this stage.

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

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