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Committee hears sponsor pitch for expanding veterans-claims assistance; interim study chosen
Summary
Prime sponsor Sen. Tim Lang said SB66 aims to expand the pool of authorized claim-assistance providers for veterans while adding consumer-protection guardrails; the committee voted to send the bill to interim study for further work.
Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Senator Tim Lang (Senate District 2), seeks to expand who may assist veterans with claims while adding statutory guardrails on disclosure and compensation. Lang told the committee New Hampshire has one of the highest per-capita veterans populations and that increasing the pool of authorized helpers would reduce delays veterans face when seeking benefits.
Lang said the bill includes clear notice requirements and limits on compensation so veterans are not taken advantage of and emphasized the measure is intended to supplement — not replace — veteran service organizations and attorneys. Senator Sherry and others suggested a pilot program to test whether expanding the pool improves outcomes for veterans before statewide adoption. Senator Murphy and others asked questions about whether the bill would prevent exploitative practices; Lang said he has agreed to continue working with stakeholders and that the House sponsor was eager to take the bill up.
Outcome: After discussion, the committee voted to place SB66 in interim study so sponsors can address remaining concerns.
