summary
Introduced
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
In Committee
04/28/2025
04/28/2025
Crossed Over
04/15/2025
04/15/2025
Passed
04/29/2025
04/29/2025
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to veterans’ benefits assistance; amending s. 435.02, F.S.; revising the definition of the term “specified agency”; creating s. 501.9741, F.S.; defining terms; prohibiting a person from receiving compensation for referring an individual to a provider for advising, assisting, or consulting on any veterans’ benefits matter; authorizing a provider to receive compensation only for services rendered during a specified period under certain circumstances; requiring that, before such services are rendered, a written agreement, which must include specified information, be signed by both parties; requiring that persons who advise, assist, or consult on veterans’ benefits matters for compensation provide a specified oral and written disclosure before entering into a business relationship with a client; providing requirements for such disclosure; prohibiting a provider who advises, assists, or consults on veterans’ benefits matters from charging certain fees; prohibiting the charging of interest on payment plans; providing requirements in the event of the death of a veteran claimant; prohibiting certain guarantees; prohibiting a provider who advises, assists, or consults on veterans’ benefits matters for compensation from taking certain actions; requiring a provider to ensure that individuals who directly assist a veteran in a veterans’ benefits matter complete a specified background screening before entering into an agreement with a veteran for veterans’ benefits matters; providing requirements for such screening; providing construction; requiring a provider to provide copies of certain documents to the veteran and maintain a copy of such documents; prohibiting a person who provides services from receiving compensation under certain circumstances and until certain conditions are met; providing that a violation is a deceptive and unfair trade practice that may be subject to specified penalties; providing construction; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for providers who assist veterans in pursuing benefits claims, with the goal of protecting veterans from potential exploitation. The legislation creates new legal requirements for individuals or entities offering paid assistance with veterans' benefits matters, including strict disclosure rules, compensation limits, and operational restrictions. Providers must now enter into written agreements with veterans that clearly outline compensation terms, which can only be based on securing an increase in benefits and cannot exceed $12,500 or four times the monthly benefit increase. The bill mandates that providers disclose they are not affiliated with government veterans' agencies, offer a written explanation in clear language, and prohibits charging initial fees or interest. Additionally, providers must conduct background screenings on staff who directly assist veterans, maintain documentation for six years, and are barred from guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes or using certain solicitation practices like international call centers. Violations of these provisions are considered deceptive trade practices subject to penalties, and the rules do not apply to official Department of Veterans' Affairs agents or accredited attorneys. The legislation aims to ensure veterans receive transparent, ethical, and fair assistance when seeking benefits, protecting them from potentially predatory service providers.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (2)
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security (S), Rules (S)
Last Action
Ordered enrolled (on 04/29/2025)
Official Document
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