Military death benefit reviews would consider past and present service

The Death Gratuity Board would consider deaths or injuries tied to past or present covered service when reviewing death benefits. The provision covers members of Massachusetts armed forces and the state’s organized militia. The death-payment provision requires death while performing a duty lawfully ordered under state military law, without deliberately neglecting that duty. Covered service means State Active Duty or service under federal military orders issued under Titles 10 and 32 of the United States Code. Related death-benefit wording addresses death from injury, sickness, or disease received in the line of duty under orders.

The board would make a recommendation to the Adjutant General. The Adjutant General is the military official identified as responsible for deciding the matter.