Provides protection and prevents the unethical, improper conduct and the collection of fees, by anyone advising or assisting a veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law.
Summary
S0071 amends Rhode Island’s deceptive trade practices law and adds a new chapter on “Veterans’ Protection.” The bill is aimed at preventing unethical or improper conduct by people who advise, consult with, or assist veterans in filing disability-benefits claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It generally prohibits anyone from receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, prosecuting, advising, consulting, or assisting in a veterans’ benefits matter unless the conduct is permitted under federal law, and it also bars paid referrals of veterans to others who provide those services.
The bill also requires anyone who is compensated for these services to follow the same ethical standards that apply under Rhode Island professional conduct rules, including rules on advertising, solicitation, confidentiality, care, honesty, and acting in the client’s best interest. Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under existing state law, subjecting violators to civil penalties. Contracts made in violation of the new chapter are void and unenforceable. The act takes effect March 31, 2026.
Impact
The bill expands Chapter 6-13.1 on deceptive trade practices by adding a specific prohibited practice related to veterans’ disability-claim assistance and by creating a new Chapter 61 in Title 6. It gives the state a civil-enforcement mechanism against paid claims consultants or other advisers who charge veterans in ways not allowed by federal law, and it makes unlawful contracts unenforceable as against public policy. The measure primarily affects veterans, claims assistance businesses, and any attorneys or non-attorneys involved in veterans’ benefits matters before the VA.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong, unanimous support for the bill. The Senate approved an amendment and passed the bill as amended 36-0, and the House later passed it in concurrence 73-0. The caption and structure of the bill suggest a consumer-protection and veterans-protection purpose, and there is no recorded opposition in the provided materials.
Contention
The main policy issue is the line between lawful assistance and prohibited fee-based claims services. The bill appears designed to stop predatory or misleading practices by non-lawyer veterans’ benefits advisers, while preserving conduct permitted under federal law and allowing fee-sharing among attorneys under professional conduct rules. Any potential contention would likely center on whether the restrictions could limit access to legitimate help for veterans or affect businesses that market claims-assistance services, but no formal opposition is reflected in the votes or transcripts provided.