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H 3869

An Act relative to tax notification for veterans

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry

Prohibits publishing a veteran’s name or identifying info on tax lists while taxes are owed; requires notice via the veteran’s designated agent.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/28/2025 from 01:00 PM-01:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 3869

Summary of H.3869: An Act relative to tax notification for veterans

Overview

H.3869 seeks to protect the privacy of veterans in Massachusetts by reforming how their names and identifying information are handled on municipal tax lists and related publications. The bill would prohibit publishing a veteran’s name or other identifying information if that veteran still owes taxes, and it would authorize notice and information about tax obligations to be conveyed through the veteran’s designated veterans’ agent. It also restricts the inclusion of veterans’ names and addresses in published tax lists.

Key Provisions

  • Section 35A (inserted into Chapter 60)

    • (a) Prohibition on publication: No municipality may publish or cause to be published the name or other individually identifying information of a veteran who still owes a tax that is due and payable.
    • (b) Notice via veterans’ agent: A municipality may communicate to the veteran through the municipality’s veterans’ agent to provide notice and information related to a tax due.

  • Section 21 of Chapter 62C (amended)

    • Adds language to ensure that the name and address of a veteran shall not be published as part of the list of taxpayers.

Affected Parties

  • Veterans who owe property or other municipal taxes
  • Municipalities and their officials (including the veterans’ agent)
  • The public, in terms of access to published tax lists (privacy protections apply)

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Legislative action: Referred to the Senate/House committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
  • Status updates and hearings:
    • Hearing rescheduled to October 28, 2025 (originally 1:00 PM–1:10 PM in A-2; virtual hearing time updated)
    • Additional hearing notice indicates a longer session: October 28, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM in A-2
  • Sponsor: Paul McMurtry (primary)
  • Related bills: HD 2555 (the bill is identified as House No. 3869; related matter previously filed as House No. 3524 in 2023-2024)
  • Senate concurrence noted in actions, indicating cross-chamber consideration

Potential Impact

  • Privacy protections: Reduces public exposure of veterans who have tax obligations, by blocking their names/identifying information from municipal tax lists while taxes remain unpaid.
  • Administrative changes: Municipalities would need to channel tax-related communications through veterans’ agents, rather than publishing veteran-specific information publicly.
  • Public records: The publication of veteran names and addresses in tax lists would be restricted, potentially altering how taxpayers are publicly identified in tax records.
  • Implementation: The bill does not specify an effective date; passage would likely require municipal process updates to ensure compliance with the new publication and notice requirements.

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes privacy in tax-related contexts for veterans and relies on veterans’ agents for outreach about tax obligations.
  • The text references a similar measure from the 2023-2024 session, indicating continued legislative interest in veterans’ privacy in tax administration.

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

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