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Panel hears dueling views on 'claim-shark' laws; committee asks LSO to collect state and federal drafts for further study
Summary
The committee heard competing testimony on whether the state should bar unaccredited providers from charging veterans for claims-assistance services and asked staff to gather state and federal bill texts and evidence of predatory practices for further review.
Staff briefed the committee on state and federal legal frameworks that govern who may receive compensation for assisting veterans with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. Talise Hansen, committee staff attorney, summarized federal rules requiring accreditation to act as a representative before the VA, noted Congress removed some criminal penalties in 2006 and briefed the committee on a wave of state bills addressing so-called “claim sharks.”
Public testimony included: a VFW representative who urged the state to prohibit unaccredited persons from charging veterans and to include enforceable penalties; an industry representative and CEO of a consulting firm who described…
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