The bill, known as the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act), aims to establish guidelines for individuals advising veterans on benefits matters and to impose penalties for violations. It defines key terms such as "compensation" and "veterans' benefits matter," and prohibits individuals from receiving compensation for referring veterans to others for assistance. Additionally, it mandates that any compensation for services rendered must be contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, with specific limits on fees and requirements for written agreements between the parties involved.
The bill also includes provisions for transparency, requiring individuals providing such services to disclose that they are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, and to inform veterans of free services available from other organizations. Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair or deceptive practices under the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, subjecting offenders to civil penalties. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.