MN HF1209

Requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to develop a written disclosure statement for private providers of veterans benefits services, in coordination with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.

Disclosure statement must include a signature line, department contact information, and notice that veterans benefits services are available at no cost from federally chartered veterans service organizations and county veterans service officers.

Mandates that persons advertising veterans benefits appeal services must clearly disclose in advertisements that equivalent services are offered at no cost by county veterans service officers.

Requires private vendors providing veterans benefits services for compensation to obtain signed client acknowledgment of the disclosure statement before entering into service agreements or accepting payment.

Establishes civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation, with enforcement by the attorney general through district court, and penalties deposited in the Support Our Troops account.