The proposed bill amends chapter 42 of Missouri law by adding a new section, 42.028, which establishes regulations regarding compensation for services related to veterans' benefits matters. It defines key terms such as "compensation," "person," and "veterans' benefits matter," and outlines specific prohibitions on compensation for referrals and services rendered within a one-year period following active-duty release. Additionally, it mandates that any individual seeking compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits must enter into a written agreement detailing the terms of payment, which can only be contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, with a cap of five times the monthly increase. The bill also includes provisions to ensure transparency and ethical practices in the provision of services. It requires that individuals providing assistance disclose their lack of affiliation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Missouri Veterans' Commission, and inform clients about the availability of free services from other organizations. Furthermore, it prohibits the use of international call centers for processing personal information and restricts access to sensitive login information. Violations of these regulations would be considered unlawful practices under existing consumer protection laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4556H.01): 42.028