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H 3881

Shayla Bowers-Royalty USA Teen 2025

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 121 co-sponsors

Offers free public transit for DoD-certified veterans to/from VA hospitals in Massachusetts, cutting transport costs and improving access to care.

Introduced and adopted
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3881

Summary of Massachusetts Bill H.3881 (An Act increasing access to medical care for veterans)

Basic information

  • Bill number: H.3881
  • Title: An Act increasing access to medical care for veterans
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Status / Schedule: Hearing scheduled for July 22, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM in Room A-2
  • Docket / Filed: House Docket No. 205; Filed January 7, 2025
  • Sponsor: Representative Adam J. Scanlon (14th Bristol)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to reduce barriers to access for veterans needing medical care by providing free transportation to and from Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals. It targets veterans who are certified by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and would allow them to use public transit services (commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle, and boat) at no cost when traveling to obtain medical care at VA facilities.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to law: Adds a new paragraph (s) to Section 5 of Chapter 161A of the General Laws.
  • Who is eligible: Any veteran certified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • What is covered: Use of commuter rail, subway, bus, shuttle, and boat services at no cost when traveling to or from a VA hospital for medical care.
  • Proof of eligibility: The veteran must present proof of a medical appointment on the travel date, in the form of a VA notice indicating the veteran’s name, and the date and location of the appointment.
  • Participating authorities: The section applies to the Massachusetts Transportation Authority and any regional or local transportation authority in the Commonwealth.
  • Purpose of travel: Limited to trips to or from VA hospitals for medical care.

Who is affected

  • Veterans: DoD-certified veterans seeking medical care at VA hospitals in Massachusetts.
  • Transportation authorities: The MBTA (and other regional/local authorities) would be required to provide free service to eligible veterans.
  • Veterans Administration facilities: VA hospitals that receive patients traveling from public transit.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee action: Referred to the Senate and House committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs on February 27, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for July 22, 2025 (01:00 PM–05:00 PM) in Room A-2.
  • Legislative track: The bill originated in the House and has a companion or related action identified as HD 205 (which the docket indicates “replaces” in related actions). The Senate reportedly concurred in the related actions.
  • Effective date: The provided text defines the amendment but does not specify a separate effective date; the provision would take effect upon enactment of the statute.

Potential impact

  • Could significantly reduce out-of-pocket transportation costs for veterans traveling to VA medical appointments.
  • May improve access to timely medical care for veterans who rely on public transit.
  • Places a requirement on transit authorities to accommodate eligible veterans at no cost, with documentation ensuring eligibility.

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

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