Bill
H 3887
Mass. H 3887 expands the veteran definition to include National Guard/Reserve members with 20 or more years, widening eligibility for state benefits tied to ch.115 definitions.
Note: The materials supplied contain two different legislative documents mixed together. One is a Massachusetts bill (House No. 3887 / House Docket No. 353) that would amend the statutory definition of “veteran.” The other is a ceremonial South Carolina House resolution honoring Braden Wilson as 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Both are summarized below.
Title: An Act relative to the definition of a Veteran in the Commonwealth
Filed: 01/08/2025; Sponsors: Rep. Jeffrey Rosario Turco (Winthrop) and Rep. David F. DeCoste (5th Plymouth)
Purpose and intent
- To expand the statutory definition of “veteran” in Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 115, section 1 so that certain long-serving members of the National Guard or reserves count as veterans under state law.
Key provision
- Amends the definition of “veteran” by inserting after the words “Mexican Service,” the following clause: “; or (f) served in the national guard or reserve for 20 or more years.”
- In other words, anyone who has served 20+ years in the National Guard or Reserve would meet the statutory definition of veteran for purposes that rely on chapter 115’s definition.
Who would be affected
- Individuals: Members of the U.S. National Guard or Reserve with 20 or more years of service who do not otherwise qualify as veterans under existing criteria.
- State agencies and programs: Any state statutes, benefits, services, or administrative rules that reference the chapter 115 definition of “veteran” (e.g., eligibility for certain state veterans’ benefits, services, programs, employment preferences) could extend eligibility to these long‑service Guard/reserve members.
- Fiscal impact: Not specified in the text. Expanding eligibility can create additional program costs depending on uptake; agencies would need to assess budgetary effects.
Procedural status and timeline (from provided actions)
- Filed: 01/08/2025 (House Docket No. 353 / House No. 3887).
- Referred to the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs: 02/27/2025.
- Senate concurred: 02/27/2025.
- Hearing(s) scheduled/rescheduled for 09/30/2025 (per later docket entries).
- Related bill: HD 353 (indicated as replaced).
Legal effect
- If enacted, this is a statutory change to the definition used across Massachusetts law where chapter 115’s definition governs eligibility or status.
Classification: House resolution (ceremonial)
Filed/Adopted: 02/04/2025 (per the materials)
Purpose and intent
- A ceremonial resolution recognizing and congratulating Braden Wilson, an eighth‑grade social studies/history teacher at Palmetto Middle School (Anderson School District One), for being named the 2025 South Carolina Teacher of the Year.
Key points
- Notes Wilson’s teaching background (former teaching fellow at Anderson University; Social Studies Teacher Candidate of the Year), educational credentials (master’s degrees in teacher leadership and in administration and supervision), and teaching philosophy.
- States that Wilson will serve as a one‑year ambassador and spokesperson for South Carolina educators (~64,000 educators mentioned).
- Resolves that the House recognize and honor her and that a copy of the resolution be presented to her.
Who would be affected
- This is honorary; the subject (Braden Wilson), her school community, and the state’s education community are the intended beneficiaries of recognition. There is no legal or fiscal effect.
Procedural status
- Filed and adopted as a House resolution; text appears duplicated in the supplied file.
If you want, I can:
- Produce a redline showing exactly where the Massachusetts statute is amended, or
- Prepare a short summary suitable for a press release or newsletter focused on either the Massachusetts statutory change or the South Carolina resolution.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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