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Bill

HD 1981

An Act relative to a commission to redetermine the definition of disabled veteran in the laws and regulations for the registry of motor vehicles

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Estela Reyes

Creates a 9-member commission to modernize the 'disabled veteran' definition in RMV laws and regs, and report within 1 year to guide possible changes to veteran licensing benefits.

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Bill Summary · HD 1981

Summary of Bill HD 1981: An Act relative to a commission to redetermine the definition of disabled veteran in the laws and regulations for the registry of motor vehicles

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a special commission to modernize and update the language used to define “disabled veteran” within Massachusetts’ motor vehicle laws and regulations, specifically related to the registry of motor vehicles (RMV).
  • The aim is to ensure the terminology reflects current understanding and standards and to prepare recommendations for potential legislative changes.

Key provisions

  • Establishment of a special commission

    • A 9-member commission is created to study and modernize the disabled veteran definition across RMV laws and regulations.

  • Commission composition (9 members)

    • Co-chairs:
    • Director of the RMV (or designee)
    • Veteran Advocate of the Office of the Governor’s Veterans Advocate (or designee)
    • Appointed members:
    • 1 member appointed by the Attorney General (representing Disability Law Center)
    • 1 member appointed by Disabled American Veterans (expert in veteran prosthetics)
    • 1 member appointed by the Governor (representative from the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system in Boston; to be a senior healthcare provider/researcher)
    • 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House (House members; at least one veteran)
    • 2 members appointed by the Senate President (Senate members; at least one veteran)

  • Duties and outputs

    • The commission shall modernize the language defining “disabled veteran” under the eighth paragraph of section 2 of Chapter 90 and related RMV laws/regulations.
    • Prepare and submit a report detailing activities, findings, and recommendations for proposed legislation.

  • Timeline

    • The commission must complete and submit its report no later than 1 year after enactment.
    • The report is to be directed to:
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
    • Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation
    • Chairs of the Senate and House Ways and Means committees
    • The offices of the House and Senate clerks

  • Emergency status

    • The bill includes an emergency preamble, indicating it is intended to take effect immediately to assist disabled veterans and avoid delays in addressing RMV definitions.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Primary affected entities

    • Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
    • Massachusetts veterans and veteran service organizations
    • State agencies and offices involved in veterans affairs, transportation funding, and fiscal oversight (Ways and Means)

  • Potential impact

    • By redefining “disabled veteran” in RMV-related statutes and regulations, there could be changes to eligibility criteria for RMV programs, benefits, or accommodations provided to veterans (e.g., licensing, waivers, plates, or other veteran-designation provisions) depending on how the language is modernized.
    • The commission’s recommendations could prompt future legislative amendments.

Status and procedure

  • Introduced / filed: January 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 1981; associated with H. 4088)
  • Current status: Proposed bill (as of the provided text); status not stated in the excerpt.
  • Next steps: If enacted, the commission would operate for up to one year and then report to relevant legislative committees to inform potential subsequent legislation.

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

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