Mass. Senate Approves Bill To Aid Vets, Families

The Massachusetts Senate has approved legislation designed to strengthen services for veterans, active duty military members and their families.

Senate leaders say the bill, dubbed the Valor Act, will provide seed money to help veterans start or expand businesses, while promoting the participation of disabled-veteran business owners in public construction and design projects.

The bill also requires public colleges to award academic credit for a student's prior military training, coursework and experience while making it easier for the children of military personnel to transfer between school districts and states.

It also helps ease the costs of housing, utilities and medical services for Gold Star Families and makes sure that veterans charged with criminal complaints are considered for diversion and treatment programs if eligible.

The bill now heads to the House.