(BOSTON) – It is a busy time of year for the Massachusetts State Legislature. Several of the 7,000 bills filed this session have begun to advance through the legislative process. Three bills filed by State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull) have advanced in recent weeks.
Representative Meschino and State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) filed H.4862, which designates September 22nd as Military Service Member and Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day. The legislation was brought to their offices by a local family who lost a loved one to suicide. The bill passed the House and heads to the Senate for their consideration.
The bill serves to shed light on the tragic and persistent issue of mental health struggles and suicide in our Veteran community. On average, we lose over 7,000 Veterans to suicide each year. That number continues to grow. In 2020, 1 in 9 suicide deaths in Massachusetts were current or former military personnel.
“We brought forward this legislation in direct response to the tragedies that have left holes in the fabric of our communities and in order to build awareness to prevent future tragedy,” said Representative Meschino (D-Hull). “H.4862 is an important step in offering support to both our active service members and veterans.”
An officially recognized day increases awareness of mental health services available to our Veterans and their families. Giving a space to highlight resources such as the Veterans’ Crisis Line and the Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) Program can help save lives. This legislation has been supported by numerous veterans’ organizations as well as Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) along the South Shore.
Additionally, Rep. Meschino’s and Senator O’Connor’s H.2313/S.1464, An Act relative to the Regional Commissions on the Status of Women, was recently passed by the House and Senate. Brought forward by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), the bill addresses a technical error in the Commission’s enabling legislation. The Town of Hull has been removed from the Eastern Regional Commission and remains exclusively as part of the Plymouth County Commission. It was laid before the Governor on October 23, 2025.
Rep. Meschino’s H.267, An Act to provide notice to counsel of changes in a child’s placement and other events, was also included in recent children and families legislation (H.4644) that passed the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote. You can follow the progress of Rep. Meschino’s legislation here.