The proposed bill aims to establish the Veterans' Empowerment and Trust Safeguard Act in West Virginia, introducing new regulations to protect veterans from potential exploitation when seeking benefits. It defines key terms related to compensation and veterans' benefits matters, and outlines several prohibitions. These include restrictions on receiving compensation for assisting with veterans' benefits unless permitted by federal law, prohibiting guarantees of specific benefits, and requiring written fee agreements to be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs before any services are rendered. Additionally, it establishes that violations of these provisions will be considered violations of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

The bill also specifies exceptions to these prohibitions, allowing accredited agents, attorneys, or representatives of recognized organizations, as well as authorized state or federal employees, to assist veterans without facing the outlined restrictions. Furthermore, licensed medical professionals providing expert testimony may charge a predetermined fee that is not contingent on the outcome of the veterans' benefits matter. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that veterans receive fair and transparent assistance in navigating their benefits while safeguarding them from potential fraud or excessive fees.

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