Bill > S0990

This bill, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act, establishes regulations for businesses that provide services related to veterans' benefits claims. The bill prohibits charging fees for referring veterans to services and limits compensation for assistance with benefits claims to a maximum of five times the monthly benefit increase, with strict conditions. Businesses must provide a clear disclosure statement explaining they are not affiliated with official veterans' services and cannot guarantee specific benefits outcomes. The bill also mandates that businesses handling veterans' personal information cannot use international call centers, cannot access veterans' personal login credentials, and must conduct background checks on employees with access to sensitive information. Violations of these provisions will be considered unfair or deceptive business practices, with penalties enforced by the Rhode Island Attorney General's office and any collected fines deposited into the state's military family relief fund. The law aims to protect veterans from predatory businesses by ensuring transparency, limiting exploitative fees, and safeguarding personal information while preserving veterans' access to legitimate assistance with benefits claims.

Military Affairs and Security

https://status.rilegislature.gov/