WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 2496

Relates to the coordination of no-fault benefits for persons injured in motor vehicle accidents

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Gounardes

Requires the Commonwealth flag to be flown at half-staff in Massachusetts when an actively serving service member from the state dies, granting formal recognition.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2496

Bill Summary — S 2496

Important note: the materials provided for “S 2496” contain multiple, conflicting texts and metadata (Massachusetts flag half‑staff language, a long New Jersey “Office of New Americans” draft, mixed sponsor names, and inconsistent legislative actions). This summary highlights the primary, actionable text that appears in the bill packet (Massachusetts language about flying the Commonwealth flag at half‑staff), describes its intent and effects, and flags the inconsistencies so readers can verify the official source before relying on this summary.

Short summary / purpose

The bill would amend Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2, Section 6A to require the Commonwealth flag be flown at half‑staff to honor the death of an actively serving service member from Massachusetts. It is framed as “An Act to recognize service to our Commonwealth and Nation.”

Key provisions

  • Adds a new subsection (h) to Section 6A of Chapter 2 of the General Laws with the following text (as provided):
    • "(h) On the death of an actively serving service member from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, the Reserve Component, or the National Guard from the Commonwealth."
  • Effectively directs state executives/agencies responsible for flag protocol to lower the Commonwealth flag to half‑staff in those circumstances.

Who would be affected

  • Immediate: state agencies and officials responsible for flag protocols (e.g., Governor’s office, Secretary of the Commonwealth, state buildings).
  • Indirect: families and communities of deceased active‑duty service members from Massachusetts (recognition/honor), veterans’ organizations, and the public.
  • Administrative: agencies may need to adopt procedures to implement the half‑staff instructions and communicate the honors.

Procedural status & timeline (as provided)

  • Introduced: January 16, 2025 (Senate Docket No. 1472) and also listed as introduced July 29, 2025 (conflicting dates appear in the packet).
  • Presented by: Michael F. Rush (listed as the presenting senator in the Massachusetts text).
  • Committee referrals and hearings (conflicting entries in the packet):
    • Referred to Insurance (status line: “REFERRED TO INSURANCE”).
    • Also shows referral to Veterans and Federal Affairs and House concurrence in some entries.
    • Hearing scheduling entries list dates in 2025 (e.g., Sept. 30, 2025) with reschedules noted.
  • Because of conflicting metadata, verify the current official status on the Massachusetts legislative website (malegislature.gov).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Symbolic recognition: provides a uniform state-level honor for active‑duty service members from Massachusetts who die while serving.
  • Administrative: minimal cost/operational impact — mostly procedural communications and flag‑lowering at state facilities.
  • Legal/interpretive: the short insertion lacks procedural detail (who issues the order, timeframe for half‑staff display, exceptions), so implementing guidance or companion regulations may be needed.

Discrepancies & recommended next steps

  • The packet also contains an unrelated New Jersey “Office of New Americans” bill text and lists Senator Michael Bennet as a sponsor — these are inconsistent with the Massachusetts flag bill.
  • Recommendation: consult the official Massachusetts Senate docket for S.2496 (or the legislature’s bill tracker) to confirm the authoritative bill text, sponsor, and current committee/status information before citing or acting on this summary.

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

Sign in to ask a question.