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. The bill establishes a new chapter in the General Laws, outlining definitions related to compensation and veterans' benefits matters.

Key provisions 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 or assisting veterans must memorialize the terms of payment in a written agreement, with compensation contingent upon an increase in benefits awarded, capped at five times the monthly increase in benefits. No initial or non-refundable fees may be charged.
- Prohibiting guarantees of successful outcomes or specific levels of benefits.

The bill mandates specific disclosures to be provided to veterans at the outset of any business relationship, informing them that the services may be available for free through federally chartered organizations. The written disclosure must be in at least twelve-point font and signed by the individual seeking services, with a copy retained by the service provider for at least one year after the service relationship ends.

Additionally, the bill outlines prohibited activities for businesses advising on veterans' benefits matters, including the use of international call centers for processing personal information and accessing veterans' accounts without proper authorization. It requires background checks for individuals with access to veterans' medical or financial information.

Violations of the provisions outlined in the bill would be classified as unfair, false, misleading, or deceptive acts or practices, subject to civil penalties enforced by the Rhode Island attorney general's office. Collected penalties would be directed to the Rhode Island military family relief fund. The act is set to take effect upon passage.