[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6658919,"mediaKeyId","2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98","parentId",2474432,"title","Minn. subcommittee advances bill to curb so‑called 'claim sharks' while debate continues over accreditation","audioSeconds",5172,"startMs",504000,"endMs",5676000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98&start=504&end=5676","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98/thumbnail_504000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6658919/Minnesota/Minn-subcommittee-advances-bill-to-curb-socalled-claim-sharks-while-debate-continues-over-accreditation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658919-7d6b339accec6fca1075219122b1c67c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776239120&Signature=j00EuvVcekYcU8~YJAV6r5fMk3B2LgAY~LOzURkxPC7vXANNuzs59cHfmO1QOB64nRvB35p4PbZWzQdEvpCgBj7nDOieB62Oo9AvRG1b17uagyH7jsC5cXwHR3d3Lak6qE17G~xvJg2h~0pxlN9tXEb8tVGsS1Gxevy3n14AfqRWiLRmKCxcwsmSoo-nvqmcZz3MghSsDfElyoA2ZL0Nvc~27n7BPCti466mNIdk6KQVs63tQidNQoRcL2q4G52KAWqC2LD88pR3Wck~4sDyd~ElJOsqQT75AH4U-tWSwdYRNv~XjSk7ewcjyXnD8dUT71c2qFks~vQ2Az0HOATziA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Minnesota Legislature","date","2025-03-03T23:01:11.353Z","article","A Minnesota Senate subcommittee voted 5‑4 on March 3 to pass and refer Senate File 18‑94, a bill aimed at restricting predatory paid assistance for veterans seeking federal VA benefits.

The bill, carried in the subcommittee by Sen. Putnam, would require anyone who provides veterans benefits services for compensation to be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provide a written fee agreement to clients, and prohibit providers from guaranteeing specific benefits. The bill also would add penalty provisions and make certain violations an unlawful practice under state consumer law.

Supporters in the hearing told the committee the changes update Minnesota’s 2017 disclosure statute to address “claim sharks” who they said charge veterans for poor or misleading services. John Kelly, director of government affairs for the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, called SF 18‑94 “an important bill and a necessary one,” and said it mirrors portions of the governor’s budget bill. Kelly said the legislation does not bar veterans from paying for services, but would ensure paid providers meet federal accreditation requirements.

Ron Quatty, director of veteran services at MDVA, described the benefits of VA accreditation, including system access to the Veterans Benefits Management System and the ability to communicate directly with VA personnel. “Without this access, an individual cannot effectively represent a veteran’s claim,” Quatty said, and he listed federal standards of conduct that accredited representatives must follow.

Testimony split the room. Dr. Christy Janigo, legislative chair for the American Legion Department of Minnesota and an assistant county veteran service officer, said many accredited nonprofit VSOs provide free help to veterans and described the complexity of claims for homeless and justice‑involved veterans. “Veterans’ stories are sacred to me,” Janigo said, recounting work that, she said, helped end veteran homelessness in parts of Hennepin County.

Opponents urged caution before imposing accreditation rules that, they said, could reduce options for veterans. Ray Colas, representing Veteran Benefits Guide, and Ashley Berry, senior counselor at the National Association for Veterans’ Rights, both asked for amendments that would target predatory practices without removing private, paid options veterans may choose to use. “Protect veterans from predatory practices while preserving their right to seek help from qualified professionals,” Berry told the committee.

Several VA‑accredited attorneys expressed concern the bill’s language is overbroad or vague and could chill attorneys from representing Minnesota veterans. Brian Lewis, a VA‑accredited attorney, said some provisions could make it difficult for family‑law or other attorneys who touch veterans’ benefits issues to practice without unintended consequences. Ben Krause, another attorney, said his firm stopped taking paid veteran clients because of vagueness in current law.

Sen. Duckworth and others urged the subcommittee to pause and refine the language; Duckworth said the bill was introduced only days before the hearing and said stakeholders need more time to reconcile competing interests. Sen. Gustafson and other supporters said the problem of predatory actors has been studied for months and that accountability for paid providers is necessary to protect veterans’ resources.

The subcommittee approved the motion to pass and refer SF 18‑94 to the full committee; the roll call was recorded as 5 yes, 4 no. Committee members who spoke during the hearing included Sen. Putnam (bill author), Sen. Duckworth, Sen. Gustafson, Sen. Anderson and Sen. Wiesenberg.

Sen. Putnam said he expects more drafting work and additional meetings to refine definitions and address concerns before the bill moves to the judiciary committee. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs said it has been consulting with the attorney general’s office about enforcement and is open to amendments.

Votes at a glance: the subcommittee recorded the motion to pass and refer SF 18‑94 as approved by a 5‑4 vote.

What the bill cites: testimony and witnesses referenced Minnesota statute governing veteran‑benefits disclosures (stat. 197.6091, enacted 2017), federal requirements for accreditation in Title 38 of the U.S. Code and implementing rules in 38 C.F.R. (including §14.636 on fee reasonableness).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development - Subcommittee on Veterans - 03/03/25","oneSentenceSummary","A Minnesota Senate subcommittee voted 5‑4 on March 3 to advance Senate File 18‑94, which would require paid providers of veterans benefits services to be VA‑accredited, mandate written fee agreements and bar guarantees of awards.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota","taxId",77817,"location","Minnesota","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658904,"Subcommittee lays over $25,000 request for Fishing with Vets to expand trips and training",713,6599000,7312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98&start=6599&end=7312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98/thumbnail_6599000.jpg","/articles/6658904/Minnesota/Subcommittee-lays-over-25000-request-for-Fishing-with-Vets-to-expand-trips-and-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658904-a5fb6e12c74bab00ac84601adcc4e7e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776239120&Signature=mo7wa3v6k6aK~XX8WMi03rQBHLExkMqW7Y-OrnYBYGVbPd8~wXK~4KLgI5jIvlo6ld-L9V7MOkIRvVit2k~otVLMASHQcZ3RINtTTR6HMvRRYmZOsHx9dsw4yDtLuIFFhxhffIzTRvMNFqkBkaaM19p-GxViajbZz525qtsT16QVB9MBb21lsv-08B7aDDyDOCgr~zSGCbWkzR8qCe-cTAu8saMcp06zR54Q3SN8PwX743kyw7B6Imm-PA89rXzp5E35G3cA2pnH8zTSrQxVDg2ZAIEjF0AruYVsCaa3D-ynRBwa2VW9nKDL3v12k45qIhX-QHzS1yD10rA3fQw8NA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee considered Senate File 17‑82, which would appropriate $25,000 to Fishing with Vets, a volunteer nonprofit that organizes guided, no‑cost fishing trips for Minnesota veterans.

Sen. Farnsworth sponsored the bill and said the program has grown from roughly seven trips annually to more than 20 and serves about 250 veterans a year. Bob Stearns, director of operations, said the organization is all‑volunteer and raises funds through events and private donations; the requested $25,000 would help underwrite five to six additional trips (estimated cost about $200 per veteran per weekend) and $5,000 for mental‑health training for volunteer guides.

Veterans who participated described the trips as reconnecting them with fellow service members and aiding recovery from trauma. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion.","Senate File 17‑82 would appropriate $25,000 to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit that runs free guided fishing trips for veterans; witnesses said the money would fund 5–6 additional trips and training for volunteer guides on mental‑health crisis management.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":80,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658909,"Panel advances bill allowing surviving spouses to keep state education benefits after remarriage",369,6230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98&start=6230&end=6599","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98/thumbnail_6230000.jpg","/articles/6658909/Minnesota/Panel-advances-bill-allowing-surviving-spouses-to-keep-state-education-benefits-after-remarriage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658909-8b2758e23961876cad1e487d5fd653a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776239120&Signature=RWhSFq9jQIY5pA0Tw6XlaNRm4c38arWGl2Yuc0omuMdF9ijZL1Hu02NkiD9IZdbo0Ytf~KAjtA8t352SCxj8FRPO9uoQ6eENsoBtBo7NonLK~BC7ge34dCR-o26-i8i75pjvruVHCcNtvVMnoV-FxS74S7KVPJPlKCDztX-LMx~d6XCQ6sK7018RkQ-ZheIlRj4F7Rji9uzoXMP7ecO3pg0-MMfEzikCDJxEw12zUW3PFGZxez-rfghJRM1hG-qxAFSVp2HMM-tMSTddpE5HqExq4aRiQvUMZzYY1fKucvGahaD9E0kGaBibUN6dJOnxzavVxSTnP2OqCLmM1H0QXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee unanimously approved a technical amendment and laid over Senate File 19‑30, a bipartisan bill to allow surviving spouses and eligible dependents of veterans killed in the line of duty to retain certain Minnesota education benefits regardless of subsequent remarriage.

Current Minnesota law removes some survivor education benefits if a surviving spouse remarries. Sponsor Sen. Howe said the change would let survivors pursue education without having to choose between remarriage and continuing benefits, which can be especially important for households with children.

Dr. Christy Janigo and Leah Patton of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition testified in support. Janigo described veterans’ families and survivors as a legislative priority for veterans groups, and Patton framed the change as supporting family stability and economic opportunity.

The panel adopted an author's technical amendment clarifying language and laid the bill over for possible inclusion in future legislation.","Senate File 19‑30 would let surviving spouses or eligible dependents retain Minnesota education benefits awarded because of a veteran’s line‑of‑duty death even if the spouse later remarries; committee approved a technical amendment and laid the bill over for possible inclusion.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6658914,"Subcommittee hears bill to boost MACVSO grant for technical assistance coordinators",450,5719000,6169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98&start=5719&end=6169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2474432-1851f485b4479c8b43ab8bc393123b98/thumbnail_5719000.jpg","/articles/6658914/Minnesota/Subcommittee-hears-bill-to-boost-MACVSO-grant-for-technical-assistance-coordinators","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6658914-6d0ccdee843aeb1215c96faa335776ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1776239120&Signature=RS11mESBgi~ajUfG3fCKmU491SoBhtuVWPodvimYLHN6Uprfb9BTojz26GhhUkgiEj3wgYN75CPWsEzXEkhYmk8oaHV9gmy8Q-gG2pFoiXtFUPs9cMXMklS6eSd3oo9SrndftpzF8yOeggvEoJP64C76y4su6Ni5-vBu5-jBvM7YP13CY7rDYrl8ABv~fQXtL09spmZyhGW5puX9dXZG7-K4aDGlx38ocldzg5CdNbszFkV9vc5cbFggTAWVdYl~vXpUPTdmNBQDAfvEbzEQ5JnXivnjK2LFzXOjQ7Tf6WIZPpiMotLeKd3nJ-5yzKnlaPkJDY~4K5nhWg~97AIfZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee also considered Senate File 14‑52 on March 3, a proposal to raise a state grant for the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers (MACVSO) from $100,000 to $160,000.

Sponsor Sen. Putnam said the additional $60,000 would fund three technical assistance coordinator positions — $20,000 each — to provide statewide support in three areas: women veterans, veteran suicide prevention, and veterans involved in the justice system. The proposal would allow unspent 2026 funds to carry into 2027 for the coordinator work.

Dr. Christy Janigo, who serves as MACVSO legislative chair and as a county assistant veteran service officer, testified in support and described the coordinators’ intended duties: delivering national training, offering subject‑matter coaching to county VSOs, and traveling to counties that request hands‑on assistance. Janigo said justice‑involved veterans, in particular, require intensive, cross‑system support and described cases in which benefit awards and assistance helped veterans obtain housing and treatment.

Committee members praised county veteran service officers’ work and acknowledged the small size of the request relative to potential outcomes. SF 14‑52 was laid over for possible inclusion in broader legislation.","Senate File 14‑52 would increase an annual grant to the Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers from $100,000 to $160,000 to fund three technical assistance coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention and justice‑involved veterans; bill was laid over for possible inclusion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Minn. subcommittee advances bill to curb so‑called 'claim sharks' while debate continues over accreditation

Subcommittee lays over $25,000 request for Fishing with Vets to expand trips and training

Panel advances bill allowing surviving spouses to keep state education benefits after remarriage

Subcommittee hears bill to boost MACVSO grant for technical assistance coordinators