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Senate committee moves veterans' claims bill to interim study after sponsor outlines safeguards
Summary
Senator Tim Lang, prime sponsor of SB 66, said the bill would expand the pool of people who can assist veterans with claims while building in constraints; after questions about compensation and protections, the committee voted to place the bill in interim study.
Senator Tim Lang, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 66, told the Commerce Committee the measure would expand the pool of people authorized to provide third-party claims assistance to veterans in New Hampshire, but would do so under a regulatory framework designed to prevent exploitation.
Lang said New Hampshire has among the highest per-capita veteran populations in the country and that existing service providers are overworked. The bill would create a regulated pathway for additional qualified individuals and organizations to assist veterans and would require clear notice to clients about costs and terms of service.
Committee members asked whether the bill would inadvertently "protect people from themselves" by restricting compensation, and Lang replied that section 3 sets conditions under which compensation is permitted and that the intent is to protect vulnerable veterans while expanding service capacity. Senator Sherry proposed exploring a small pilot program to test the approach; Lang said pilots are possible but would require careful structuring.
Given the split of views and stakeholder concerns, the committee voted to send SB 66 to interim study so the sponsor can work with stakeholders and return with refinements.
