Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Newsom signs SB 694 to curb predatory 'claim sharks' targeting veterans
Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 694 at CalVet headquarters in Sacramento, creating state-level requirements that only federally accredited representatives may charge veterans for filing VA benefit claims, prohibiting unauthorized fees and voiding contracts with unaccredited companies effective Jan. 1, 2027. Attorney General Rob Bonta pledged enforcement and county veterans service officers said the law will protect veterans from costly scams.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 694 at a ceremony at CalVet headquarters in Sacramento, directing state officials to bar unaccredited companies from charging veterans for help filing Department of Veterans Affairs benefits claims.
The law requires federal accreditation for anyone who represents or advises a veteran on a benefits filing, prohibits unauthorized fees and includes a provision that will void contracts between veterans and unaccredited claims companies beginning Jan. 1, 2027. "California will not tolerate claim sharks that target and exploit our veterans and their families," said Lindsey Sinn, secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, at the signing.
Why it matters: Supporters said SB 694 closes enforcement and transparency gaps and directs state resources to…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
