Bill
S 2455
Creates a commemorative pin for Massachusetts veterans who also served as emergency responders; design approved by the MA Art Commission and funded by the Legislature.
Note on inconsistent metadata
- The materials provided contain conflicting headings and sponsor lists (references to New York, a TRAIN Act, and several federal senators). The actual bill text and docket contained in the packet identify Senate Docket No. 273 / Senate No. 2455 filed 1/10/2025 in the Massachusetts General Court and sponsored by Senator Michael D. Brady. This summary treats the Massachusetts Senate bill text as the operative measure.
Purpose
- To create an official commemorative pin recognizing Massachusetts residents who have both served in the U.S. Armed Forces and later served as emergency responders (firefighters, police officers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and emergency medical service volunteers).
Key provisions
- Amend Chapter 33, Section 67 (paragraph G) of the Massachusetts General Laws by inserting, after every instance of the phrase “achievement medal,” the additional phrase: “commemorative pin for Armed Services members who have dedicated their services to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
- Add a new statutory section directing the Commonwealth to create a commemorative pin that “acknowledges the dual sacrifices” of veterans who are also emergency responders.
- Design approval: the commemorative pin design must be approved by the Massachusetts Art Commission.
- Funding: the Massachusetts Legislature shall pay the cost of producing the commemorative pins, subject to adequate appropriations in the FY2025 operating budget. (No dollar amounts are specified in the bill.)
Who would be affected
- Direct beneficiaries: Massachusetts veterans who serve or have served as firefighters, police officers, EMTs, or EMS volunteers.
- Administrative actors: Massachusetts Art Commission (design approval) and the Legislature (appropriation and payment).
- No changes to benefits, employment status, or legal authorities for agencies or personnel are included — the bill provides symbolic recognition only.
Procedural status and timeline (from provided records)
- Filed as Senate Docket No. 273 / Senate No. 2455 on 01/10/2025.
- Referred to the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (per bill text/docket).
- Legislative actions in the provided metadata also list readings, hearings, and referrals (including references to Finance and varied hearing dates). The record supplied contains inconsistent dates; consult the official Massachusetts legislature website for current status and exact hearing history.
Fiscal impact
- The bill directs the Legislature to pay for pin production subject to appropriation; no specific cost estimate or appropriation amount is included in the text.
Limitations / notes
- The bill is symbolic and ceremonial in nature; it does not create new benefits, regulatory structures, or enforcement mechanisms.
- Because of conflicting metadata in the materials provided, interested parties should verify sponsors, status, and amendments on the official Massachusetts legislative docket.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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