This bill establishes a new chapter titled "Veterans' Protection" within the Rhode Island General Laws, specifically addressing deceptive trade practices related to veterans seeking disability benefits. The purpose of this chapter is to provide protection against unethical and improper conduct, as well as the collection of fees by individuals advising or assisting veterans in filing claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Definitions of terms relevant to the chapter, including "compensation," "person," and "veterans benefits matter."
2. Prohibitions against any person receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, prosecuting, advising, consulting, or assisting veterans with their benefits matters, except as permitted under Title 38 of the United States Code.
3. Prohibitions against receiving compensation for referring veterans to others for assistance with their benefits matters.
4. Clarification that the chapter does not prohibit fee divisions between attorneys as allowed by the American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct.
5. Establishment of ethical standards for individuals who receive compensation for assisting veterans, aligning with the Rhode Island Rules of Professional Conduct.
6. Specification that violations of the chapter will be considered unfair or deceptive acts, subjecting violators to civil penalties as outlined in the existing deceptive trade practices law.
7. Declaration that any contract or agreement entered into in violation of the chapter's provisions will be void and unenforceable, reinforcing the public policy against unethical practices.

The act is set to take effect on March 31, 2026.

Statutes affected:
5043: 6-13.1-1
5043  SUB A: 6-13.1-1