Representatives Troy and Brennan Introduce the V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act
COLUMBUS- State Representatives Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) and Sean Brennan (D-Parma) today announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 961, the Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representative and Navigation (V.E.T.E.R.A.N.) Benefits Protection Act. While federal law requires individuals and firms offering assistance with veterans’ benefits matters to be accredited through the Veterans Administration (VA), there are currently no penalties in place for those operating without accreditation. These unaccredited third parties often charge veterans excessive fees, make unrealistic or misleading promises about benefit eligibility, and abandon veterans at critical stages of the claims process. HB 961 would close this loophole by establishing penalties within Ohio law for failure to receive proper accreditation, ensuring that these individuals and firms are held to all federal regulatory standards.
The representatives worked closely with the state and national VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and other veterans’ organizations throughout the drafting process, ensuring the measure accurately addresses current gaps in the law and provides adequate protections for Ohio veterans seeking benefits assistance.
“Far too often, we’ve seen a proliferation of unscrupulous individuals and entities that take advantage of our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors and veterans. We believe that enactment of this legislation will go a long way in protecting those that served our nation in military service and ensure that they receive the benefits to which they are entitled without being scammed. As a U.S. Army veteran, I am honored to jointly sponsor this measure on behalf of my fellow veterans,” said Rep. Troy.
The legislation, modeled after the GUARD VA Benefits Act (HR 1732), a federal measure with strong bipartisan support, specifically stipulates that third parties offering veterans’ benefits assistance must comply with all federal regulations. These include VA accreditation, regular training to maintain that accreditation, and caps on how much third parties may charge for benefits assistance. The bill would also prohibit direct or implied guarantees that an individual will be awarded specific benefits or dollar amounts from the VA. Failure to comply with these requirements would be defined as unfair or deceptive acts punishable under Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act (Chapter 1345 of the Ohio Revised Code).
“Our veterans answered the call when our nation needed them. The very least we can do is make sure they are protected from bad actors seeking to profit from their service. Too many veterans have been misled by unaccredited companies charging excessive fees and making promises they cannot keep. This legislation ensures that anyone offering assistance with veterans’ benefits in Ohio is properly trained, accredited, and held accountable. I am proud to work alongside Representative Troy, the VFW, and veterans’ organizations across Ohio to strengthen these protections and help ensure that every veteran receives the benefits they have earned through their sacrifice and service to our country,” said Rep. Brennan.
In a letter to the Ohio 136th General Assembly, Ohio VFW State Legislative Chairman David Root praised the collaboration and hard work that went into drafting the measure and strongly encouraged legislators to support “an excellent bill.”
“It will absolutely offer the protection that the 700,000 veterans living in Ohio need when choosing who should represent them while navigating the highways and byways of the Veterans Administration,” wrote Chairman Root. “With the V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act our veterans will have a qualified –and most importantly, a reputable– representative supporting them.”
HB 961 has been referred to the House Veterans and Military Development Committee and is awaiting a first hearing.