Massachusetts H3890: An Act amending death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and the organized militia of the Commonwealth

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Section 88(a) of chapter 33 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the words “ An officer or enlisted person of the Massachusetts organized militia” and inserting in place thereof the following words:- “Members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts organized militia”. SECTION 2. Said section 88 subsection (a) is further amended by striking out the words “a board” in line 4 and inserting in place thereof the words: - “The Death Gratuity Board (the “Board”)”. SECTION 3. Section 88 subsection (b) is amended by striking it out entirely, and adding in its place:- “Members of the armed forces of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Massachusetts organized militia who, while performing any duty lawfully ordered under this chapter without willful neglect on the part of the person, dies, shall, receive compensation as described by a Board appointed under section 90 for a determination of death gratuity benefits as described in subsection (c). The Board shall consider death or injury arising from present or past qualified duty status on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or United States of America. Qualified Duty Status is defined as State Active Duty and service pursuant to orders under Titles 10 and 32 of the US Code. …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Steven Xiarhos (R, 5th Barnstable) · primary sponsor
• David Vieira (R, 3rd Barnstable)

Latest actions

1. August 13, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5649 (under House Rule 27)
2. October 28, 2025: Hearing rescheduled to 10/28/2025 from 01:00 PM-01:10 PM in A-2 and Virtual<br> <span style="color: blue; font-style: italic;">Hearing updated to New End Time</span>
3. October 17, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 10/28/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
4. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
5. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
6. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H3890?

H3890 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act amending death and disability compensation for members of the armed forces and the organized militia of the Commonwealth.

What is the status of H3890?

Failed as of August 13, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5649 (under House Rule 27) (August 13, 2026).

Who sponsored H3890?

Steven Xiarhos (R, 5th Barnstable), with 1 co-sponsor.

Where is the official record for H3890?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3890