Deceptive practices: service members and veterans.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Judiciary
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to protect service members and veterans from deceptive practices when seeking veterans’ benefits. Specifically, it prohibits businesses from charging fees to assist veterans with filing claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs unless they are properly accredited. The bill also expands existing consumer protection laws to include advertising and promoting veterans’ benefits in a way that ensures accurate and transparent information is provided, particularly regarding fees and authorized representatives. Violations of these provisions will result in a $2,000 civil fine.
Key provisions
- Prohibits charging fees for assisting veterans with benefit claim filing unless accredited.
- Expands consumer protection laws to cover advertising and promotion of veterans’ benefits.
- Requires clear and conspicuous disclosures regarding fees and authorized representatives in benefit-related advertising.
- Defines ‘veterans’ benefit claim’ for the purposes of the bill.
- Establishes a $2,000 civil fine for violations.
- Directs a portion of the fine to the Veterans Service Office Fund and the district attorney.
- Addresses the use of ‘Made in California’ labels for products.
- Clarifies disclosure requirements for financial products and services.
Who is affected
- Service members
- Veterans
- Businesses offering assistance with veterans’ benefits
- Veterans Service Organizations
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
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