The proposed bill aims to establish the Veterans' Empowerment and Trust Safeguard Act (VETS Act) in West Virginia, introducing new regulations to protect veterans from potential exploitation when seeking benefits. It defines key terms related to veterans' benefits and outlines several prohibitions, including the receipt of compensation for assisting individuals in obtaining veterans' benefits unless permitted by federal law, and the requirement for a written fee agreement to be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any services are rendered. Additionally, it prohibits guaranteeing specific outcomes regarding veterans' benefits and receiving excessive fees for such assistance.

The bill also stipulates that violations of its provisions will be considered violations of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act. However, it provides exceptions for accredited agents, attorneys, or representatives of recognized organizations, as well as authorized employees of the state or federal government, and licensed medical professionals who charge a predetermined fee for expert testimony. Overall, the VETS Act seeks to ensure transparency and fairness in the process of obtaining veterans' benefits while safeguarding the rights of veterans in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9A-1-13
Committee Substitute: 9A-7-1, 9A-7-2, 9A-7-3, 9A-7-4, 9A-7-5