Kansas House Bill HB2761

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/24
• Refer: 2/8/24
• Report Pass: 2/13/24

Caption

Prohibiting certain conduct and improper collection of veterans benefits fees.

Impact

The bill enforces ethical standards for anyone involved in advising or assisting veterans with their benefits claims. Those who receive compensation for such services will be held to the same ethical standards as attorneys under Kansas law, which encompasses advertising, client solicitation, confidentiality, and overall duty of care and honesty. The intent is to enhance the integrity of the services provided to veterans and create a clearer pathway for them to access benefits without risking exploitation or misinformation.

Summary

House Bill 2761 aims to regulate the conduct surrounding veterans benefits matters. Specifically, it prohibits any individual from receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans benefits claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department of Defense, or the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs. This bill is intended to uphold the rights and interests of veterans, ensuring that they receive help without the risk of predatory practices. By strictly regulating compensation in these matters, the legislation seeks to safeguard veterans from unscrupulous actors who might exploit their claims for financial gain.

Contention

While the bill appears to have a noble goal, discussions may arise concerning the specifics of enforcement and the implications for those who operate within the bounds of federal law. Some stakeholders might debate what constitutes reasonable compensation and how the division of fees between attorneys might impact veterans' access to legal representation. Furthermore, there may be varying perspectives on how effective this bill will be in preventing abuse and ensuring that veterans are adequately supported in their claims without being charged excessively.