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 veterans' benefits matters, 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 claims, 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 claims.
4. Ethical standards that individuals providing such services must adhere to, including advertising, client solicitation, confidentiality, duty of care, duty of honesty, and duty to act in the best interest of the client.
5. A penalty provision stating that violations of this chapter will be considered unfair or deceptive acts, subjecting violators to civil penalties as outlined in the existing deceptive trade practices law.
6. A clause stating that any contract or agreement entered into in violation of this chapter will be void and unenforceable, reinforcing the public policy against exploiting veterans.

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

Statutes affected:
71: 6-13.1-1
71  SUB A: 6-13.1-1
71  SUB A as amended: 6-13.1-1