The proposed bill aims to establish the Veterans' Empowerment and Trust Safeguard Act in West Virginia, introducing a series of prohibitions related to the compensation for services rendered in connection with veterans' benefits. Key provisions include prohibiting individuals from receiving compensation for assisting others in obtaining veterans' benefits unless permitted by federal law, as well as forbidding the collection of excessive fees and the guarantee of specific benefits. Additionally, the bill mandates that any compensation for such services must be accompanied by a written fee agreement filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it restricts the provision of medical evidence or expert testimony unless fees are predetermined.

The bill also outlines the consequences of violations, categorizing them as breaches 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 flat rate for their services. This legislation seeks to protect veterans from potential exploitation while ensuring that those who assist them in navigating benefits do so under regulated and fair conditions.

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