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Kansas committee hears dueling views on HB 22‑14 to regulate private veterans’ claims companies
Summary
Lawmakers heard competing testimony on House Bill 22‑14, which would regulate private companies that charge veterans for help preparing benefits claims by requiring disclosures, written fee terms and criminal‑history checks; veterans groups opposed the bill as necessary protection, while industry representatives supported regulated choice and fee caps.
The Committee on Veterans and Military heard testimony Feb. 5 on House Bill 22‑14, a proposal to regulate private companies that assist veterans with benefits claims by requiring written fee agreements, disclosures about free Veterans Service Organization (VSO) help and criminal‑history checks for anyone accessing veterans’ medical or financial information.
Supporters of the bill, including William Taylor, founder of Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting, told the committee that a regulated private market gives veterans choice while protecting consumers. Taylor said his firm employs more than 200 people, posts a "90% success rate," and averages an 85‑day decision timeline, and that its fees are entirely contingent with no upfront charges and no direct access to veterans’ bank accounts. "We require written disclosure that free services…
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