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WV SB704

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Mike Oliverio

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates the Veterans' Empowerment and Trust Safeguard (VETS) Act prohibiting unauthorized persons from receiving compensation for assisting veterans with benefits claims, except as permitted by federal law
  • Bans receiving fees for referrals to benefits advisors, collecting payment before the VA issues a determination letter, and guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes to veterans
  • Requires written fee agreements filed with the VA before any compensated services are rendered, with fees meeting federal standards under 38 C.F.R. § 14.636 and 38 U.S.C. § 5904
  • Prohibits contingency-based fees for medical evidence or expert witness testimony in veterans' benefits matters
  • Exempts federally accredited agents, attorneys, recognized veteran service organizations, authorized government employees, and licensed medical professionals charging pre-determined flat rates for testimony

Legislative Description

Prohibiting certain compensation for advising or assisting with veterans benefits

Consumer Protection

Last Action

To House Judiciary

2/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/13/2026
Military2/2/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available