Bill > SB150

This bill establishes comprehensive regulations regarding compensation for services related to veterans' benefit claims, designed to protect veterans from potential exploitation. The legislation defines key terms like "veteran", "veteran's benefit", and "unreasonable fee", and prohibits individuals from receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting veteran benefit applications unless they strictly adhere to specific guidelines. The bill outlines a detailed framework for determining what constitutes an unreasonable fee by considering factors such as service complexity, time spent, skill required, and achieved results. Additionally, the bill requires written agreements for compensation-based services and mandates that these agreements follow federal regulations. The Department of Veterans' Affairs is tasked with conducting outreach to inform veterans about free assistance services provided by tribal and county veterans' service officers. Violations of these provisions will be considered unlawful practices under Oregon Revised Statutes, which could subject offenders to legal penalties. The primary goal is to ensure veterans receive fair, transparent, and affordable assistance when seeking benefits, while preventing predatory practices that might take advantage of veterans' vulnerabilities.

Military Affairs and Security

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB150