Bill
Bill > HF2433
IA HF2433
IA HF2433A bill for an act relating to veterans' benefits claims, and providing penalties.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to veterans’ benefits claims. The bill prohibits a person other than an accredited representative, defined in the bill, from receiving or attempting to receive compensation for assisting a veteran, service member, or dependent of a veteran or service member with a claim. The bill also prohibits any person from misrepresenting the person’s United States department of veterans affairs accreditation or affiliation with the United States department of veterans affairs, a veterans service organization, or a government agency; obtaining or using a veteran’s or service member’s personal identifying information for unauthorized claims representation; or making deceptive statements about the person’s ability to expedite or influence the outcome of a claim. The bill does not prohibit a person who is not an accredited representative from providing general education regarding claims or a referral to an accredited representative without receiving compensation. The bill provides that a person who violates these provisions is subject to a civil penalty of $10,000 imposed by the attorney general. Civil penalties collected by the attorney general under the bill must be deposited in the veterans trust fund. The attorney general may seek an injunction or other equitable relief. The bill also authorizes a veteran, service member, or veteran’s or service member’s dependent to bring a civil action for damages, attorney fees, and equitable relief. The bill requires the department of veterans affairs to conduct outreach to educate veterans and veterans’ families about predatory claims practices, promote awareness of assistance available through accredited representatives, and maintain a public list of accredited representatives.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Iowa Veterans’ Claims Protection Act," aims to safeguard veterans, service members, and their dependents from fraudulent practices when filing claims for benefits with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It defines an "accredited representative" as an attorney, claims agent, or representative from a veterans service organization officially recognized by the VA. The bill prohibits anyone who is not an accredited representative from charging fees or accepting compensation for helping with a claim, and also forbids misrepresenting VA accreditation, using personal information for unauthorized representation, or making false promises about expediting or influencing claim outcomes. However, it allows individuals to provide general information about claims or refer people to accredited representatives without charge. Violators face a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per offense, with collected penalties going into a veterans trust fund, and the Attorney General can seek legal action to stop these practices. Furthermore, affected individuals can sue for damages and legal fees. The bill also mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs conduct outreach to educate veterans about predatory practices, promote accredited assistance, and maintain a public directory of accredited representatives.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Veterans Affairs. H.J. 275. (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF2433 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/HF2433.html |
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