Bill > S1286

This bill establishes new consumer protections for veterans seeking benefits, defining "compensation" as any payment or financial benefit and "veterans benefits matter" as any activity related to claims for benefits administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of War, or the Idaho Division of Veterans Services. It prohibits receiving compensation for preparing or presenting claims before these agencies, or for referring individuals to others for such matters, unless permitted by federal law. For individuals not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, any compensation for veterans benefits matters must be based on a written agreement where payment is contingent on an increase in awarded benefits, capped at five times the monthly increase, with no upfront or non-refundable fees allowed. These individuals must also provide a clear written disclosure stating they are not sponsored by or affiliated with government agencies or federally chartered veterans service organizations, and that free services may be available elsewhere. Furthermore, those receiving compensation must not use international call centers for processing veteran information, access a veteran's personal accounts with their credentials, or allow access to a veteran's sensitive information without a background check, and cannot receive compensation for claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran acknowledges this and chooses to forgo free services. These provisions do not affect accredited agents or attorneys regulated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Government Affairs, Justice

Commerce and Human Resources Committee (Senate)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1286/