Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2214

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Enacting the safeguarding American veteran empowerment (SAVE) act to limit compensation for assisting in veterans benefits matters.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2214 would introduce strict regulations surrounding how individuals may be compensated for assisting veterans. Specifically, compensation can only be conditional upon an increase in the awarded benefits and cannot exceed five times the monthly increase in any awarded benefits. Furthermore, the bill prohibits any initial or nonrefundable fees for assisting veterans, which is intended to prevent upfront costs that might deter veterans from seeking help. These regulations could significantly affect veterans readily accessing necessary services from private advisors and advocates.

Summary

House Bill 2214, also known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act, is designed to regulate compensation for individuals assisting veterans in matters related to veterans' benefits. The bill explicitly prohibits any person from receiving compensation for referring a veteran to another service provider or for any services related to claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran signs a waiver. This aims to protect veterans from potential exploitation by ensuring they are aware of and have access to free services offered by government and nonprofit organizations.

Contention

While proponents of HB 2214 argue that it offers vital protections for veterans against potentially predatory practices, critics may contend that it restricts veterans' options for personalized assistance by limiting how and when compensation can be earned by service providers. Concerns may arise around ensuring sufficient and qualified services for veterans as the bill could discourage private sector involvement in assisting with veterans' claims. Moreover, the requirement for full disclosure about the availability of free services emphasizes the need for transparency, but it may also complicate relationships between veterans and those providing services.

Summary-conclusion

In conclusion, House Bill 2214 seeks to enhance the protections for veterans by controlling the circumstances under which compensation for assistance can be provided. By aiming to minimize exploitation in the veterans' claims process, the bill strives to create a more equitable and transparent avenue for veterans to receive essential benefits. However, the balance between preventing fraud and ensuring adequate support options for veterans continues to be a subject of discussion among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2760

Prescribing documentation requirements to determine eligibility for any benefit derived from a service-connected disability, requiring that federal disability determinations for veterans be probative, establishing the Kansas office of veterans services, updating references and corresponding changes relating to the transfer of powers and duties from the Kansas commission on veterans affairs office to the Kansas office of veterans services, updating the veterans claims assistance program to include references to veterans affairs medical centers and cross-accreditation requirements, modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran, clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans and updating the definition of armed forces to include the space force.

KS HB2759

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2833

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2761

Prohibiting certain conduct and improper collection of veterans benefits fees.

KS HB2623

Updating the veterans claims assistance program to include references to veterans affairs medical centers and cross-accreditation requirements.

KS SB171

Creating the veterans first medical cannabis act to regulate the cultivation, distribution, sale, possession and use of medical cannabis.

KS SB430

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS HB2253

Establishing a state employment preference for persons with disabilities and expanding the state employment preference for veterans.

KS HB2776

Providing workers compensation act coverage for the Kansas national guard, limiting benefit reductions for retirement benefits, increasing dependents death benefits, reducing certain functional impairment requirements, increasing compensation for certain disability categories and for treatment without authorization, raising the evidentiary standard for future medical treatment, limiting certain procedures for post-award medical benefit claims, allowing benefit payment by funds transfer or payment cards, establishing procedures for neutral healthcare examinations, exchanges and admission of medical reports, extending employee injury notification deadlines, eliminating the deadline for motions to avoid dismissal for lack of prosecution, providing for expedited settlement and digital recording of hearings and other changes to the workers compensation act.

KS HB2063

Limiting current workers compensation benefit reductions that are based on the receipt of retirement benefits to reductions only to permanent disability compensation and only when retirement benefits begin after the accident.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.