SB 1424 - Veterans Protection Act Summary

• Creates the "Veterans Protection Act" (s. 295.189, F.S.) to prohibit persons from acting as representatives, agents, or attorneys for veterans' Department of Veterans Affairs claims without proper federal accreditation under 38 U.S.C. §§ 5902-5904.

• Prohibits soliciting, charging, or receiving fees for veterans' VA claim assistance without proper federal credentials and authority, addressing unscrupulous practices targeting veterans and senior veterans.

• Establishes the Department of Veterans' Affairs enforcement authority to investigate complaints, issue notices of violation, negotiate voluntary compliance agreements, and pursue civil penalties and injunctive relief.

• Creates a civil enforcement process including: 30-day cure periods for first violations, assurances of voluntary compliance with mandatory fee repayment, hearings before appointed hearing officers, and appeals to circuit court within 30 days.

• Makes violations a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days imprisonment or $500 fine; specifies that federal law controls in case of conflict and does not prevent private remedies or complaints to other agencies.