Gov. signs veterans services bill

Gov. Maura Healey on Aug. 8 signed a broad bill known as the HERO Act that aims to modernize and increase veterans benefits with a mix of policy changes and tax incentives.

The HERO Act:
• Expands the definition of “veteran” for the purposes of some benefits to include those who have served in the National Guard or as a reservist in any branch of the armed forces
• Expands access to mental health services for veterans by allowing them to be reimbursed for visits to outpatient behavioral health providers
• Increases annual payments to disabled veterans from $2,000 to $2,500 over two years
• Increases tax credits for small businesses that hire veterans
• Expands veteran motor vehicle benefits, including waiving veterans plate fees
• Expands veteran property tax exemptions by allowing municipalities to double exemptions for veterans and tying the annual property tax abatement to inflation
• Requires public school districts to provide support services to military-connected students when a parent or guardian is called to active duty

The HERO Act was initially filed by Healey last November, and passed in the House in May, and the Senate in June.

In 2023, Healey established an Executive Office of Veterans Services, which has focused on overhauling and updating veterans services and programs.