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Committee reconsiders veterans-assistance bill; debate centers on accreditation and private preparer services
Summary
The committee voted to take HB 1169 back up and advanced it to the Senate floor after hearing from the state veterans commissioner, private veteran-claim preparers and the Attorney General's office about whether state law should require people who assist veterans to follow federal VA accreditation rules.
The Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee reopened and advanced House Bill 1169 after hearing testimony about whether individuals or businesses that assist veterans in preparing claims must be accredited under federal Veterans Affairs rules.
The bill as discussed would require that persons who assist veterans in compiling or filing VA benefit claims follow federal law on accreditation and would prohibit receiving compensation for unaccredited assistance in certain circumstances. Lonnie Wangen, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for North Dakota, said the amendment’s intent is to require those who assist veterans to follow federal rules and to provide a state enforcement mechanism where none exists now.
“By federal law you need to be accredited to prepare, assist and present claims to the…
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