To enact section 5901.10 of the Revised Code to govern the practice of providing veterans claim assistance for compensation and to name this act the Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representation and Navigation Act (V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act).
Summary
HB961 would create a new section of the Ohio Revised Code regulating paid assistance in veterans benefits matters. The bill defines “veterans benefits matter” broadly to include preparing, presenting, prosecuting, advising, consulting, or assisting with claims for benefits, programs, services, or entitlements administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the state. It then restricts who may be paid for this work and sets conditions for lawful compensation.
Under the bill, a person could not receive compensation for veterans claims assistance except as allowed by federal law, could not be paid for referring someone to another advisor or assistant, could not guarantee a particular outcome or benefits level, and could not provide paid assistance without a properly registered fee agreement. Anyone seeking compensation for this type of assistance would also have to be accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs under federal regulations. The act would be named the Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representation and Navigation Act, or the V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act.
Impact
The bill would add section 5901.10 to Ohio law and tie violations to the state’s consumer protection framework by making them an unfair or deceptive act or practice under Chapter 1345. That would give the state an enforcement mechanism beyond the veterans-specific provisions themselves and could expose violators to remedies available under Ohio consumer law. The measure would primarily affect paid veterans benefits advisors, claims consultants, and related referral arrangements, while reinforcing federal accreditation and fee-agreement requirements for those who seek compensation.
Sentiment
Because the bill was only introduced and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes in the provided material, there is no documented debate or formal legislative sentiment to assess. Based on the text, the bill appears aimed at consumer protection and ethical standards in veterans claims assistance, suggesting a generally protective posture toward veterans and their families. No opposition or support is reflected in the available record.
Contention
The main points of potential contention are the bill’s restrictions on paid veterans claims assistance and its reliance on federal accreditation and fee-agreement rules. Supporters would likely view these provisions as necessary to prevent misleading promises, improper referrals, and unqualified paid representation. Critics could argue that the bill may limit access to paid help, especially for veterans who rely on non-attorney advocates or private consultants, and that the overlap with federal regulation could create compliance burdens or uncertainty for service providers.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To amend sections 3505.01 and 3505.10 of the Revised Code to modify the deadline for a political party to certify its nominees for President and Vice-President to the Secretary of State.
To amend sections 3517.12, 3517.13, and 3517.155 of the Revised Code to modify the Campaign Finance Law regarding foreign nationals and statewide initiatives and referenda and to declare an emergency.
To delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Secretary of State for the 2024 general election.