The proposed bill, known as the "Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act," aims to prohibit individuals from receiving compensation for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of claims related to veterans' benefits, unless such compensation is authorized by federal law. The bill introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, which outlines the definitions of key terms, including "compensation," "person," and "veterans' benefits matter." It establishes that any person advising or assisting with veterans' benefits claims must adhere to the same ethical standards as attorneys under the Arkansas Rules of Professional Conduct.

Additionally, the bill specifies that violations of these provisions will be considered deceptive and unfair trade practices, classifying them as a Class A misdemeanor under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in the handling of veterans' benefits claims and aims to protect individuals from potential exploitation by unaccredited representatives.