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Committee adopts amendment and advances bill limiting upfront fees for paid veterans‑benefits assistance
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 695 that would allow paid assistance with veterans benefits while banning upfront, nonrefundable fees and capping contingent fees (the lesser of five times a monthly benefit increase or $9,500). The full committee voted to report the bill favorably.
The Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee adopted an amendment and voted to advance Senate Bill 695, a measure titled in committee discussion as the South Carolina Safeguarding American Veterans Benefits Act, that would regulate fees for paid assistance preparing veterans benefits claims.
Representative Brandon Cox explained the amendment would prohibit upfront and nonrefundable fees for individuals seeking paid assistance with veterans benefits, require written fee agreements signed by both parties, and cap contingent fees at the lesser of five times the monthly increase awarded or $9,500. The amendment also requires an interest‑free installment payment plan not to exceed 12 months and adds language emphasizing transparency, informed consent and data protection for paid assistance.
Representative Beach asked for a plain‑English explanation and voiced support for the measure, saying it targets so‑called "claim sharks." Beach said he had received solicitations and described receiving deceptive, AI‑generated emails he characterized as scams, and urged colleagues to back the bill. Cox confirmed the amendment preserves the ability for veterans to pay for assistance under tightly defined guidelines while preventing predatory fee arrangements.
The committee adopted the amendment on a roll call and then voted favorably to report the bill as amended. The clerk announced the committee vote in favor of the amended bill.
