The bill amends the General Laws related to "Deceptive Trade Practices" by adding provisions that address the conduct of individuals assisting veterans with disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs. It introduces a new chapter titled "Veterans' Protection," which includes the purpose, definitions, prohibitions, ethical considerations, penalties, and contract stipulations for those involved in advising or assisting veterans. The bill makes it an unfair or deceptive act to advise or assist any veteran in a manner considered unfair or deceptive and prohibits compensation for such services unless permitted under Title 38 of the U.S. Code.

The new chapter sets ethical standards for individuals assisting veterans, aligning them with those for attorneys licensed in Rhode Island. It bans compensation for referring veterans to others for benefits-related services and declares contracts made in violation of these provisions void and unenforceable. Violations are subject to civil penalties. The bill does not specify insertions or deletions of legal language but provides a summary of the new provisions. The act is intended to take effect immediately upon passage to protect veterans from deceptive practices concerning their disability benefit claims.

Statutes affected:
7609: 6-13.1-1