A critical discussion on protecting veterans from predatory practices dominated the recent Judiciary B Senate Committee meeting in Louisiana. The focus was on the alarming rise of unaccredited companies, often referred to as "claim sharks," that exploit veterans seeking benefits. These companies charge hefty fees, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars, for assistance that should be free.

Key to the debate is the concept of accreditation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mandates that claims representatives must be accredited to ensure they adhere to established standards. However, many private firms bypass this requirement, leading to unethical practices that can deprive veterans of their rightful benefits. Current federal law prohibits unaccredited individuals from assisting veterans with claims, yet these companies continue to operate, often illegally.

Two competing pieces of legislation are currently pending in Congress: the Guard Act and the Plus Act. The Guard Act aims to ban unaccredited assistance entirely and restore criminal penalties for violations. In contrast, the Plus Act seeks to expand the accreditation process while capping fees but does little to distinguish between ethical and unethical actors in the industry. Notably, major veterans' organizations oppose the Plus Act, advocating instead for stricter regulations.

In response to the lack of congressional action, Louisiana's Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) is pushing for state-level legislation, known as Bill 979, which would reinforce existing federal laws and impose penalties on non-compliant companies. The LDVA emphasizes that veterans can access free assistance from accredited counselors and organizations, ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned without falling prey to exploitative practices.

As the committee meeting concluded, the urgency for legislative action was clear. With bipartisan support for the Guard Act, advocates hope to safeguard Louisiana's veterans from the predatory tactics of unaccredited claim consultants.