HB 2836 Summary

• Enacts the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE Act) to regulate individuals and businesses providing advice or assistance on veterans' benefits matters for compensation.

• Prohibits compensation for referrals, referral fees during the one-year post-active-duty period without veteran waiver acknowledgment, and initial or nonrefundable fees; limits contingent compensation to five times the monthly benefit increase awarded.

• Requires written agreements signed by both parties, mandatory disclosure statements in at least 12-point font explaining the service is not affiliated with federal or state veterans' agencies, and retention of disclosure documents for one year after service termination.

• Mandates that fee-based veterans' benefits service providers prohibit international call centers and data centers, refrain from using veteran credentials to access personal information, and conduct background checks (including criminal records review) on employees accessing veteran medical or financial information.

• Classifies violations as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act with civil penalties ordered by district court and each day of violation counting as a separate violation; effective November 1, 2025.