The bill establishes regulations for individuals who advise or assist others in filing claims for veterans' benefits in Alabama. It mandates that no person may act as an agent or attorney in this capacity without first being accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, individuals seeking compensation for such services must provide a written agreement detailing payment terms and a disclosure statement indicating that their services are not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other veterans service organizations, which may offer similar services for free. The written disclosure must be clear and in a prominent font, and the individual must acknowledge understanding of the terms.
Furthermore, the bill prohibits individuals from guaranteeing specific outcomes regarding veterans' benefits and restricts the collection of excessive fees. It also requires that any advertisements for these services include the same disclosure about non-affiliation with veterans organizations. Violations of these provisions will be classified as deceptive trade practices under Alabama law. The act will not apply to attorneys accredited by the federal government and is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.