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Bill

HD 4240

Resolve to study women veterans and the long-term effects of combat on motherhood

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Shirley Arriaga

Create a Massachusetts commission to study how combat affects motherhood in female veterans and its lasting impact on their children, with policy recommendations within 18 months.

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Bill Summary · HD 4240

Summary: Resolve to study women veterans and the long-term effects of combat on motherhood (HD 4240)

  • Bill type and status

    • Massachusetts House: HD 4240, "Resolve to study women veterans and the long-term effects of combat on motherhood"
    • Purpose: Establish a special legislative commission to study how combat experiences affect motherhood and parenting among female veterans, and to examine potential lifelong effects on their children in the Commonwealth
    • Introduced: November 29, 2025 (reference to the 2025-2026 General Court)
    • Filed: January 17, 2025 (House No. 3826)
    • Similar matter previously filed: House No. 3710 (2023-2024 session)

  • Purpose and scope

    • Creates a special legislative commission to study:
    • The effects, if any, of combat experience on motherhood and parenting among female veterans
    • The lifelong or long-term impacts on children of female veterans who experienced combat living in Massachusetts

  • Commission composition
    The commission shall include:

    • Co-chairs: Chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
    • Co-chairs: Chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery
    • Secretary of Veterans’ Services (or designee)
    • Commissioner of Mental Health (or designee)
    • 1 veteran appointee by the Speaker of the House
    • 1 veteran appointee by the President of the Senate
    • 1 appointee by the Governor with specialized knowledge of female veterans in combat
    • Total membership to be determined by these appointments

  • Appointment and meeting timelines

    • All appointments must be made within 30 days after the effective date of the resolve
    • The chairpersons must meet with the commission within 60 days after the effective date

  • Reporting and legislative recommendations

    • The commission must submit a report and recommendations not later than 18 months after enactment
    • The report may include drafts of legislation necessary to implement the recommendations
    • Reports and drafts are to be filed with the clerks of the House and Senate and the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs

  • Potential impact

    • Informs state policy on veteran family health and welfare
    • May lead to recommendations for programs or legislation addressing mental health, parenting support, and resources for children of female combat veterans
    • Involves state agencies (veterans’ services and mental health) and lawmakers with expertise in veterans’ affairs

  • Key dates to watch

    • 30-day appointment deadline after the effective date
    • 60-day kickoff meeting deadline
    • 18-month reporting deadline

This bill focuses on researching and understanding the intersection of combat service, motherhood, and outcomes for children, with an emphasis on informing future policy or statutory changes in Massachusetts.

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

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