The proposed bill, titled the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act), aims to enhance protections for veterans seeking assistance with their benefits claims from businesses that are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Rhode Island office of veterans' services. It establishes a new chapter in the General Laws, outlining definitions related to compensation and veterans' benefits matters.

Key provisions of the bill include:

- Prohibiting individuals from receiving compensation for referring any individual to another person for advice or assistance with veterans' benefits matters.
- Prohibiting compensation for services rendered in connection with any claim filed within the one-year presumptive period of active-duty release unless the veteran signs a waiver acknowledging their choice to deny free services available to them.
- Requiring that any person seeking compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting with individuals on veterans' benefits matters must memorialize the specific terms of compensation in a written agreement signed by both parties. Compensation must be contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, with a cap on fees not exceeding five times the amount of the monthly increase in benefits awarded based on the claim. No initial or non-refundable fee may be charged.

The bill mandates that businesses providing such services must disclose their non-affiliation with federal veterans' organizations and inform clients about the availability of free services from accredited organizations. The written disclosure must be provided at the outset of the business relationship and must be signed by the individual seeking services.

Additionally, the bill prohibits certain practices, such as utilizing international call centers for processing veterans' personal information, using a veteran's personal login or password to access sensitive information, and requires background checks for individuals who have access to veterans' medical or financial information.

Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair, false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of trade or commerce, subject to civil penalties ordered by the superior court. Every day a violation continues is considered a separate violation, and any civil penalties collected will be deposited in the Rhode Island military family relief fund.

The act is set to take effect upon passage.