An Act to recognize service to our Commonwealth and Nation

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on the exact sections of the law being updated, only that a new paragraph is added.

A Bill to Honor Service Members

This bill proposes that the flag of Massachusetts be flown at half-staff upon the death of an actively serving service member from certain branches of the U.S. military.

What This Bill Does

• Requires the flag of Massachusetts to be flown at half-staff upon the death of a currently serving service member.
• Applies this requirement to members of specific military branches, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, Reserve Component, or National Guard from Massachusetts.

Who It Names or Affects

• The government of Massachusetts will be responsible for flying the flag at half-staff as required.
• Active service members and their families may benefit from this recognition upon a member's death.

Terms To Know

half-staff

When a flag is flown halfway up a pole to show respect or mourning for someone who has died.

Reserve Component

A part of the U.S. military that includes reserve and National Guard units, which can be called upon during emergencies or conflicts.

Limits and Unknowns

• The bill does not specify how long the flag should remain at half-staff.
• It is unclear when this bill will become law as it is still under review by committees.

Official Summary Text

An Act to recognize service to our Commonwealth and Nation
By Representative Arriaga of Chicopee, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3825) of Shirley B. Arriaga relative to the flag of the commonwealth being flown at half-staff. Veterans and Federal Affairs.

Current Bill Text

×

Bill H.3825

Part 1 – Title I – Chapter 2 – Section 6a is hereby amended by inserting the following as paragraph (h): “On the death of an actively serving service member from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Coast Guard, the Reserve Component, or the National Guard from the Commonwealth.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Close