The bill SB1308 aims to regulate the compensation for services provided to individuals seeking assistance with veterans' benefits matters before the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (U.S. VA). Under the new bill, individuals or entities (referred to as "persons") are prohibited from receiving compensation for advising, consulting, or assisting with veterans' benefits matters unless they meet specific conditions. These conditions include preparing a written agreement signed by all parties that outlines the terms of service and payment, and includes a disclosure in 12-point font stating that the service is not endorsed by or affiliated with ADVS, U.S. VA, or any federally chartered veterans' service organization, and that these organizations may offer similar services for free.

The bill also prohibits charging initial or nonrefundable fees, guarantees of specific benefits, excessive or unreasonable fees, and the use of international call centers or data centers for processing veterans' personal information. Compensation is contingent on the veteran's benefits being increased and cannot exceed five times the amount of the increase. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair, false, misleading, or deceptive trade practices under Arizona law. Definitions for "compensation," "person," and "veterans' benefits matter" are included in the bill.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-610.03
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-610.03