Bill > H5043

This bill provides comprehensive protections for veterans seeking disability benefits by establishing new legal provisions to prevent unethical practices by individuals or entities advising or assisting veterans in filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation amends existing deceptive trade practices laws to explicitly include unfair practices related to veterans' benefits and creates a new chapter in state law that comprehensively regulates how people can assist veterans with benefits claims. Key provisions include prohibiting anyone from receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, or assisting with VA benefits claims except as permitted under federal law, banning fees for referring veterans to assistance services, and establishing that anyone providing such services must adhere to professional ethical standards similar to those governing attorneys. The bill also stipulates that any contracts violating these prohibitions will be considered void and that violators can be subject to civil penalties under the state's deceptive trade practices statutes. Importantly, the law is designed to protect veterans from potential exploitation by individuals or organizations seeking to profit inappropriately from veterans' benefits claims, while still allowing legitimate legal assistance within federally established guidelines. The law is set to take effect on March 31, 2026, giving stakeholders time to understand and prepare for the new regulations.

Business and Industry, Military Affairs and Security

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