Committee on Veterans and Military pulls House Bill 2214 after members raise notice concerns

The Committee on Veterans and Military paused consideration and withdrew House Bill 2214 — described in the meeting as the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" — after members raised objections about short notice and lack of consensus on amendments during the committee meeting.

Carly, Revisor's Office staff, summarized the measure: "2214 is an act concerning veterans and military relating to veterans benefits. It would enact the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act to limit compensation for assisting in veterans benefit matters." Members then discussed whether the committee had given adequate notice that it would act on the bill; the Revisor's Office staff said an email announcing the meeting was sent at 09:03 a.m.

The committee took a point of order about notice. One member asked whether the email — received by some members only minutes before the meeting — met the requirement for taking action. The Revisor's Office staff responded, "There is no statutory time limit." Another member cited House rules and rule 1302, noting that the chair "shall provide notice of meetings and an agenda or agenda information to committee members, the chief clerk and the public."

The chair said they had sought compromises and prepared an amendment but had not received input from other members. The chair characterized the planned changes as aimed at two goals: "freedom of choice for the veteran" and "protection" from dishonest brokers, and said amendments reflected issues raised in earlier hearings. After members expressed concerns about the short time to review the amendments and the lack of agreement, the chair said they would "pull those bills again and, just not discuss them," and closed the committee portion of the hearing.

No formal motion or vote on House Bill 2214 or the companion bill occurred in this meeting. The chair said the bills were being pulled from consideration at this time and moved the session into a caucus meeting.

Why it matters: The bill sought to restrict fees or compensation for individuals assisting veterans with benefit claims, a subject several members said merited further discussion and clearer advance notice before a committee vote. The committee’s decision to withdraw the bills means no formal action was taken and the measures would remain in committee pending any future scheduling.

Next steps: The chair did not set a new hearing date; the bills were removed from the committee’s immediate agenda. Further scheduling or amendments were not specified in the record.