SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026
HB9105, titled the SAFEGUARD Veterans Act of 2026, would reinstate criminal penalties for people who charge veterans unauthorized fees for helping with claims for VA benefits. It amends title 38 to make it a crime to solicit, contract for, charge, or receive fees for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting a veterans benefits claim unless the person is properly recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs or acting under direct supervision of a recognized agent or attorney. The bill also bars violators from VA recognition for set periods and directs VA to begin rulemaking to define the covered conduct.
Beyond penalties, the bill creates several consumer-protection and transparency measures for veterans filing claims. VA would have to notify unrepresented claimants about accredited representatives, maintain an online searchable list of accredited, suspended, and excluded persons, add warnings about fees and predatory practices on claim portals, and collect information on whether claimants were charged for assistance or coaching. It also requires VA to review its accreditation processes, establish a more robust accreditation system, and include warnings discouraging veterans from sharing login credentials or bank information.
The bill would significantly amend chapter 59 of title 38, United States Code, by expanding section 5905 to cover unauthorized fee charging and by strengthening VA’s authority over who may assist with claims. It would also preempt conflicting state or Freely Associated State laws on recognition of agents or attorneys for VA claims, including laws governing fee agreements and authority to charge for such services. In addition, it would require new VA notices, online tools, reporting mechanisms, accreditation infrastructure, and administrative review, while also amending the Communications Act to restrict certain automated calls to federal departments and agencies.
The available context shows no recorded committee debate or votes, so there is no formal legislative record of support or opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill text, the measure is framed as a veteran-protection and anti-fraud initiative, suggesting a generally favorable intent toward safeguarding claimants from exploitation. The bipartisan list of House introducers also indicates cross-party interest in the issue.
The main point of contention is likely to be the scope of federal regulation over veterans claims assistance and the reinstatement of criminal penalties for unauthorized fee charging. The bill draws a sharp line between accredited representatives and others who assist claimants, while carving out exceptions for medical opinions and expert opinions, which may be important to medical professionals and claims-support providers. Another possible area of dispute is the bill’s express preemption of state law and its broad restrictions on who may assist veterans, which could affect private claims consultants, attorneys, and nontraditional advocates.