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HF3216 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Certain practices by service providers restricted.

Related bill: SF2396

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to regulate service providers who assist veterans with benefits or appeal processes. It seeks to protect veterans from unfair practices and ensure transparency and fairness in the compensation of these services.

Main Provisions

  • Definitions: The bill clarifies terms related to advertising, compensation, and veterans benefits services. It specifies what constitutes advertising and what forms are excluded, as well as defines veterans benefits appeal services and related terms.

  • Compensation Regulations:

    • Prohibits individuals from receiving payment for merely referring veterans to another service provider.
    • Prevents the collection of fees for services related to claims within one year of a veteran's release from active duty, unless the veteran waives free services.
    • Requires a clear, written agreement detailing compensation terms, contingent on the benefits increase, and places limits on the total compensation based on monthly benefits awarded.
    • Forbids charging initial or nonrefundable fees.

  • Restrictions on Guarantees: Service providers are not allowed to guarantee or imply guaranteed outcomes or specific benefit levels for veterans.

  • Privacy and Security Measures:

    • Prohibits using international call centers or data centers for processing a veteran's information.
    • Disallows the use of a veteran's personal login details by service providers.
    • Mandates background checks for individuals accessing veterans' personal, medical, or financial information.

  • Exemptions: The bill clarifies that these provisions do not alter the existing requirements for accredited agents or attorneys under U.S. federal law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill adds new restrictions and requirements that were not previously specified in Minnesota law, particularly concerning how compensation can be processed and the extent of privacy protections for veterans' personal information.

Relevant Terms

veterans benefits, appeal services, compensation, advertising, privacy, service providers, waiver, active duty, personal information, background check.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 20, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toVeterans and Military Affairs Division
April 20, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toVeterans and Military Affairs Division

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill refers to the written disclosure statement developed by the commissioner of veterans affairs as per section 196.05, subdivision 1.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "196.05",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references requirements for agents, attorneys, or other representatives accredited by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "38 U.S.C.",
    "subdivision": "chapter 59"
  }
]

Sponsors