The "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act) aims to regulate the compensation practices of individuals and businesses providing advice or assistance related to veterans' benefits. The bill defines key terms such as "compensation" and "veterans' benefits matter," and establishes guidelines to ensure that no person may receive compensation for referring individuals to others for veterans' benefits assistance. It prohibits charging initial or nonrefundable fees and mandates that any compensation must be contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, capped at five times the monthly increase. Additionally, individuals providing such services must disclose that their business is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs and that free services may be available elsewhere.
The bill also outlines specific requirements for businesses advising on veterans' benefits, including the prohibition of using international call centers for processing personal information and ensuring background checks for individuals accessing sensitive data. 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.