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Senate committee tightens rules for veteran 'claim shark' companies; S695 receives second reading 46-0
Summary
Lawmakers adopted a committee amendment to S695 to tighten approval and oversight of companies that assist veterans with claims; the amendment passed and the bill received a second reading on a 46‑0 roll call.
Senators considered committee amendments to S695, legislation aimed at predatory companies that assist veterans with benefit claims. The Family and Veterans Services Committee published a committee amendment that, according to floor explanation, clarifies submission and approval requirements for entities helping veterans and seeks to 'weed out the bad actors.'
Senator Gamble (explaining the amendment) told colleagues the measure addresses excessive fees charged by so‑called "claim sharks" who charge veterans upfront and sometimes exploit them. The committee amendment was adopted by the Senate on voice vote.
On second reading, the Senate conducted a roll call; the reading clerk reported that S695 received second reading by a vote of 46 to 0. With the committee amendment adopted and a unanimous second‑reading tally, the bill will proceed through the legislative process toward further readings and potential final passage.
Full committee text and any subsequent amendments will be available when the bill is placed on the calendar and considered for third reading.
