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Committee advances bill to set consumer protections and fee caps for veterans' claims advisers
Summary
CS for SB 910 would allow veterans to hire claims advisers while imposing consumer protections including a fee cap, disclosure requirements and bans on certain fee practices; the committee reported the bill favorably after adopting substitute amendments.
Senator Collins presented a committee substitute for SB 910, a bill aimed at improving consumer protections for veterans who hire professional claims advisers to pursue disability benefits. The substitute and related amendments set new disclosure rules, ban referral and nonrefundable initial fees, prohibit use of veterans' VA login credentials, and impose a fee cap.
Why it matters: Sponsor materials and testimony framed the bill as a response to a large backlog at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and as a way to give veterans the option to hire qualified assistance while guarding against predatory actors.
Key provisions described in committee: The adopted substitute capped fees at $12,500; banned initial and nonrefundable fees and referral fees; required disclosures and price-transparency that must be read aloud before a veteran signs an agreement; and prohibited advisers from using a veteran's VA login credentials. Senator Collins said the substitute increases consumer protections beyond prior drafts.
During closing remarks, Senator Collins described the practical problem the bill is addressing: "Right now, there are 952,173 claims that are currently listed as over 125 days, 23,950 in Florida. There are 241,601 claims backlogged." He framed the bill as providing veterans with more tools while adding guardrails on advisers. He added a forceful admonition against bad actors: "If you do harm, if you try to rob our veterans or do the wrong thing, there is a special place in hell for you. We will find you. We will hold you accountable."
AARP submitted an appearance form waiving support. The committee adopted the substitute amendment(s) and reported CS for SB 910 favorably by roll call: Senators Burgess, Jones, Sharif, Trunow, Vice Chair Collins and Chair Wright voted "Yes."
Next steps: The bill will proceed in the Senate process with the committee substitute and adopted provisions.
