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H 3826

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

The bill would create a temporary commission to study how combat experiences affect motherhood and children of female veterans in Massachusetts and propose policy recommendations.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 3826

Summary: House Bill H.3826 – Resolve to study women veterans and the long-term effects of combat on motherhood

Overview

H.3826 proposes a special legislative commission to study how combat experiences affect motherhood and parenting among female veterans, as well as any lifelong effects on their children living in Massachusetts. The measure is a “resolve” that would create a temporary, fact-finding body to gather evidence, evaluate impacts, and propose policy or legislative recommendations. The bill has a scheduled public hearing and is designated as a House resolve filed by Representative Shirley B. Arriaga.

Purpose and Intent

  • To examine whether combat experiences have short- or long-term effects on motherhood and parenting for female veterans.
  • To assess potential lifelong or intergenerational impacts on the children of female veterans who experienced combat.
  • To inform future state policy and possible legislation aimed at supporting women veterans and their families.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a special legislative commission under section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws.
  • Commission duties: study the effects of combat experience on motherhood and parenting for female veterans; evaluate effects on children of female veterans who experienced combat.
  • Deliverables: a report with findings and recommendations, including drafts of legislation necessary to implement recommendations.
  • Timeline: report due within 18 months of enactment, including drafts of any proposed follow-up legislation.

Commission Composition

The commission would include:
- Co-chairs: the chairs of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.
- Co-chairs: the 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 appointed by the Speaker of the House.
- 1 veteran appointed by the President of the Senate.
- 1 person appointed by the Governor with specialized knowledge of female veterans serving in combat.

Appointments must be made within 30 days of the effective date of the resolve, and the chairpersons must meet within 60 days.

Process and Timeline

  • Effective date: upon enactment of the resolve.
  • Appointments: due within 30 days after effective date.
  • First meeting of the chairpersons: within 60 days after effective date.
  • Reporting deadline: no later than 18 months after enactment, with drafts of accompanying legislation filed with the House clerks, Senate clerks, and the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Who Is Affected

  • Female veterans who have experienced combat.
  • Their families and children residing in Massachusetts.
  • State agencies and legislatively designated committees involved in veterans’ services and mental health.

Status and Related Information

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: House Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (02/27/2025).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for July 22, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in Room A-2.
  • Related bill: House.Docket No. 4240 (HD 4240) replaces this measure; similar matter filed in a prior session as House No. 3710 (2023-24).
  • The bill currently seeks a factual study rather than immediate program funding or new services.

Potential Impact

  • Generates a formal, evidence-based understanding of how combat experiences influence motherhood and child development among female veterans.
  • Could inform targeted support programs, mental health interventions, and family services within state government.
  • May lead to legislative recommendations and new or revised policies to assist women veterans and their families.

For tracking, monitor House Veterans and Federal Affairs hearings and subsequent joint committee filings on the 18-month report and any proposed legislation following the commission’s findings.

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

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