Bill > HB108

This bill establishes new regulations for individuals and businesses providing services related to veterans' benefits in Georgia, aimed at protecting veterans from potential exploitation. The legislation prohibits charging upfront fees for veterans' benefits services and limits compensation to no more than five times the monthly increase in benefits awarded, ensuring that fees are purely contingent on successful claims. It requires service providers to disclose that they are not affiliated with official government veterans' services, provide a written agreement detailing service terms, and prohibits guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes. The bill also mandates that service providers cannot use international call centers for processing veterans' personal information, cannot request veterans' login credentials, and must conduct background checks on employees who access veterans' medical or financial information. Violations of these provisions are considered deceptive business practices, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense. The law does not apply to agents or attorneys already accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and it will become effective upon the Governor's approval or becoming law without approval.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69460