The bill amends the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to establish stricter regulations regarding the provision of veterans' benefit services. It prohibits individuals engaged in trade or commerce from offering such services unless they are employed by a government agency, accredited under federal laws, or represent a recognized veterans' services organization. Additionally, it mandates that any person receiving compensation for these services must disclose their affiliations and inform veterans about the availability of free services from authorized organizations. The bill also prohibits the use of personal information gathered for other purposes in providing veterans' benefit services and restricts compensation for referring veterans to accredited individuals.
Furthermore, the bill requires that any promotional events related to veterans' benefits include a specific disclosure stating that the event is not affiliated with recognized veterans' organizations and that benefits discussed may not be guaranteed. This disclosure must be presented both orally and in writing at the beginning of the event. The bill clarifies that certain public officials acting in their official capacity are exempt from these regulations. Overall, the amendments aim to protect veterans and their families from misleading practices and ensure they receive accurate information regarding their benefits.
Statutes affected: House Introduced Bill: 445.903