The "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act) aims to establish guidelines and regulations for individuals and businesses providing advisory services related to veterans' benefits. The bill defines key terms such as "compensation" and "veterans' benefits matter," and prohibits any person from receiving compensation for referring individuals to others for assistance with veterans' benefits. It also mandates that any compensation for services rendered must be contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, with specific limits on fees and a requirement for a written agreement outlining the terms of compensation. Additionally, the act emphasizes the importance of transparency by requiring service providers to disclose their lack of affiliation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and to inform clients about free services available from other organizations.
To ensure the protection of veterans' personal information, the bill includes provisions that prohibit the use of international call centers for processing veterans' data and mandates background checks for individuals accessing sensitive information. 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, and does not alter the existing requirements for accredited agents or attorneys regulated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.