This bill proposes several updates to the current statutes regarding the provision of services related to veterans' benefits. It introduces new regulations that prohibit individuals from receiving compensation for merely referring veterans to others for assistance with benefits matters. Instead, compensation is only permitted if a written agreement is established prior to service provision, detailing the terms and including a specific disclosure about the lack of affiliation with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, the bill restricts the charging of initial or nonrefundable fees, stipulating that any compensation must be contingent on an increase in the veteran's benefits.

Furthermore, the bill outlines various prohibitions for individuals providing assistance with veterans' benefits, such as guaranteeing specific benefits, charging for services within a one-year presumptive period of active duty release without proper acknowledgment, and using international call centers for processing personal information. It also establishes that violations of these provisions are considered deceptive practices, allowing the Attorney General to impose civil penalties. The bill clarifies definitions related to compensation and the scope of veterans' benefits matters, ensuring that the new regulations do not interfere with the requirements for accredited agents or attorneys.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-608.01, 41-610.03, 41-603.01, 35-190, 35-313