Bill > HB2214

This bill, the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act, aims to regulate compensation for individuals or entities assisting veterans with their benefits matters. It defines "compensation" broadly as any payment or financial benefit received for services, and "veterans benefits matter" as any claim related to benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. The act prohibits receiving compensation for simply referring a veteran to someone else or for services related to claims filed within a veteran's one-year presumptive period after active-duty release, unless the veteran signs a waiver acknowledging this period and choosing to forgo free services. For any paid assistance, a written agreement detailing the terms and compensation must be signed before services are rendered, with compensation being contingent on an increase in awarded benefits and capped at five times the monthly increase, prohibiting any initial or nonrefundable fees. Furthermore, no one can guarantee a successful outcome or a specific benefit amount, and any entity charging for services must provide a clear disclosure stating they are not affiliated with government agencies and that free services may be available elsewhere, with this disclosure appearing in at least 12-point font and being retained by the service provider. The bill also includes provisions against using international call centers for processing veteran information, using a veteran's personal login details, and requires criminal history record checks for anyone accessing a veteran's sensitive information. Violations are considered unfair trade practices, subject to civil penalties, with each day of violation counting as a separate offense, though the act exempts individuals accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Military Affairs and Security

Veterans and Military (House)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2214/