Massachusetts H3847: An Act recognizing and providing assistance for military service-related injuries from agent orange and burn pits

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Chapter 33 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 67B the following section:- Section 67C. There shall be a Massachusetts orange heart medal to be presented to a service member or veteran who suffered a service-connected disease, condition or injury related to the exposure to harmful toxins, herbicides, agents or materials including, but not limited to, exposure to agent orange and burn pits, where the exposure occurred while serving in the armed forces of the United States, active or reserve components, or the Massachusetts national guard. A service member shall have entered military service or state active duty from the commonwealth, have been a resident of the commonwealth at the time of death or have been a member of the Massachusetts national guard at the time of death. To be eligible, a service member or veteran must have served after December 6, 1941. The adjutant general or designee and 2 field grade officers of the armed forces of the commonwealth detailed by the commander-in-chief shall constitute a commission to make recommendations to the commander-in-chief for the awarding of the Massachusetts orange heart medal. The presentation of the Massachusetts orange heart medal pursuant to this section shall not preclude an award of the Massachusetts medal of fidelity pursuant to section 67B. SECTION 2. Chapter 115 …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk) · primary sponsor
• Sean Garballey (D, 23rd Middlesex)

Latest actions

1. June 1, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27)
2. July 16, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 07/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
5. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Votes

• Committee Vote - Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (October 20, 2025): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is H3847?

H3847 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act recognizing and providing assistance for military service-related injuries from agent orange and burn pits.

What is the status of H3847?

Failed as of June 1, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5466 (under House Rule 27) (June 1, 2026).

Who sponsored H3847?

Jessica Giannino (D, 16th Suffolk), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H3847?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3847