Massachusetts offers exigency leave, which is a 12 week benefit, to manage family affairs for an active service member. 12 weeks of family leave per benefit year to manage needs that take place immediately after a family member is deployed on active duty or has been notified of an upcoming deployment. These needs may include:  caring for a deployed family member’s child or other family member, making financial or legal arrangements for deployed family member , attending counseling , attending military events or ceremonies , spending time with a deployed family member during a rest or recuperation period , spending time with a family member when they return from deployment , or making necessary arrangements following the death of a family member who had been deployed .

The HERO Act is landmark legislation that includes over 30 provisions in a single bill; 6 of those provisions are DOD priorities including: Adding Space Force to the definition of Armed Forces in Statute; eliminating duplicative licensing requirements for DoD FCC providers; creating a reporting mechanism between the Office of Child Welfare and Family Advocacy Programs regarding cases of child abuse and neglect; adding military community representation on state education, mental health, child care and employment boards; creating a military spouse liaison position within EOVS and allowing service member licensure credit for EMT training.

The HERO Act is landmark legislation that includes over 30 provisions in a single bill; 6 of those provisions are DOD priorities including: Adding Space Force to the definition of Armed Forces in Statute; eliminating duplicative licensing requirements for DoD FCC providers; creating a reporting mechanism between the Office of Child Welfare and Family Advocacy Programs regarding cases of child abuse and neglect; adding military community representation on state education, mental health, child care and employment boards; creating a military spouse liaison position within EOVS and allowing service member licensure credit for EMT training.