House Bill 342, also known as the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act," aims to enhance protections for veterans seeking assistance with their benefits. The bill introduces a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 58, which prohibits individuals from receiving compensation for referring veterans to services related to their benefits. It establishes strict guidelines for those who do provide paid assistance, including the requirement for a written agreement that specifies compensation terms, which must be contingent on an increase in benefits awarded. Additionally, it mandates that no initial or nonrefundable fees can be charged, and it prohibits guarantees of successful outcomes in securing benefits.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure transparency and consumer protection. Individuals providing paid assistance must disclose that their services are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services, and they must inform clients about the availability of free services. Furthermore, businesses offering such services are restricted from using international call centers for processing veterans' personal information and must conduct background checks on individuals accessing sensitive data. Violations of these provisions are classified as unfair or deceptive practices under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, with penalties directed to the state’s general fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-18-104(b), 47-18-104