On the eve of Veterans Day, the Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously to strengthen support for military families and veterans through a series of bills now heading to the House of Representatives.
Among the measures was the EASE Act—formally titled An Act to enhance access, inclusion, support and equity for military connected families—which aims to provide greater stability and opportunity for service members and their children.
The bill guarantees that children of military families can keep their place in Massachusetts schools even if a parent is temporarily reassigned on official orders. It also requires a smooth and timely transfer of special education services for families who move permanently into a new district.
Senators approved the legislation on a 39-0 vote. Senators representing Worcester districts including Michael Moore, Robyn Kennedy and Peter Durant all voted in favor.
The EASE Act also strengthens legal protections around military bases, allowing certain information from the military to be used in Massachusetts courts in cases involving temporary domestic violence restraining orders. It enables federal judges to transfer juvenile cases from bases to state courts, and includes a bipartisan amendment requiring National Guard leadership to track and report suicide data among Guard veterans.
“Building off the comprehensive advancements made in the SPEED Act and HERO Act over the last two legislative sessions, the EASE Act bolsters the way that Massachusetts cares for our military families,” said Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, who chairs the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “At the end of the day, my focus continues to be on ensuring that our Commonwealth is not only the very best state for a veteran to call home, but also a welcoming and supportive home for our active-duty service members and their families.”
Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, called the passage a fitting step in the week leading up to Veterans Day. “It was important that the Senate reinforce our commitment to meeting veterans, active military members and their families where they are,” she said, crediting Velis and Sen. Michael Rodrigues, D-Westport, for leading the effort.
The Senate also passed “An Act clarifying the duties of the adjutant general” by a 38-0 vote. The measure formally defines the Adjutant General as commander of all National Guard troops under the governor’s orders and requires training to help Guard members identify unconstitutional or unlawful directives.
Separately, lawmakers unanimously approved H.3388, which designates September 22 each year as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day.
Massachusetts currently ranks among the top 10 states for defense contract spending, with its six military installations supporting more than 57,000 jobs. Lawmakers said the new legislation will not only benefit families but also strengthen the state’s standing for future federal defense investment.
All three bills now head to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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