Committee advances bill to cap fees for people helping veterans with benefits claims
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Summary
Senate Bill 2668 would limit compensation for individuals who help veterans pursue benefit claims, capping fees at the lesser of five times the monthly increase or $12,500 and requiring payment only after the veteran receives benefits; the committee adopted amendment language and reported the bill.
The committee considered Senate Bill 2668, introduced by the chair as a measure to curb what he called an "epidemic" of people charging veterans large upfront fees for help with claims. The chair said the bill would limit how much a person may be compensated for assisting with a veteran’s benefit claim, and proposed an amendment to cap fees at the lesser of five times the monthly amount or $12,500 and to require that helpers be paid only after the veteran has received benefits.
Committee members asked whether the helpers would be lawyers, nonlawyers or both, and how helpers obtain veterans’ names. Members and commenters said helpers advertise online and on television and that many veterans are targeted; one speaker urged veterans to seek help from local VA offices. Another committee member suggested requiring helpers to register with the Department of Military Affairs as a possible strengthening amendment. A motion to adopt the reverse-repealer amendment and to change the compensation cap carried by voice vote.
Committee sub moved the title sufficient to pass, the ayes were called and the chair said the bill would be reported. One member asked to be recorded as voting present when the bill reaches the floor.