The bill H.103 aims to protect veterans, their dependents, and survivors from unfair and deceptive practices related to veterans benefits. It introduces a new chapter, Chapter 88, to Title 20 of the Vermont Statutes, which outlines the legislative intent to prevent individuals from charging for assistance with filing veteran-related claims unless they are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or are employees of the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs or the Vermont Veterans Home. The bill defines key terms, including "compensation" and "veterans benefits matter," and establishes prohibited conduct for individuals providing advice or assistance in this area.
Specifically, the bill prohibits individuals from receiving compensation for advising on veterans benefits matters unless they meet certain accreditation requirements. It also bans practices such as guaranteeing specific benefits, falsely claiming affiliation with veterans organizations, and charging excessive fees. Additionally, any compensation agreements must be documented in writing, and violations of this chapter are treated as violations of existing consumer protection laws. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.