H.B. 2225 Summary

• Prohibits any person from receiving compensation for advising or assisting individuals with veterans benefits matters, except as permitted under federal law.

• Requires written fee agreements that comply with 38 Code of Federal Regulations section 14.636 and prohibits compensation before a notice of disagreement is filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• Mandates that persons providing compensated veterans benefits services meet the same ethical standards as attorneys under Hawaii rules of professional conduct regarding advertising, solicitation, confidentiality, duty of care, honesty, and client representation.

• Requires clear oral and written disclosure that the business is not affiliated with the VA, Hawaii Department of Defense, Hawaii Office of Veterans' Services, or federally chartered veterans service organizations, and that similar free services may be available elsewhere.

• Establishes advertisements for compensated veterans benefits services must include required disclosures and violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under Hawaii consumer protection law.