Veterans: benefits; Michigan consumer protection act; amend to enhance protections for individuals applying for veterans benefits. Amends sec. 3k of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903k).
Impact
The proposed legislation outlines several specific obligations that must be met before someone can provide or charge for veterans' benefit services. For instance, only accredited individuals or employees of recognized veterans' services organizations may offer such services, and they must comply with stringent disclosure requirements. These regulations could significantly bolster the legal framework protecting veterans from potential fraud or deception in the realm of benefits assistance, aligning Michigan's laws with standards aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Summary
Senate Bill 1103 seeks to amend the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to enhance protections for veterans and their families in relation to veterans' benefit services. The bill establishes strict guidelines that individuals and organizations must follow when offering aid in obtaining veterans' benefits. This is aimed particularly at preventing unscrupulous practices by unaccredited individuals or organizations who may seek to exploit veterans or their families, especially in navigating the complex requirements associated with securing benefits from the government.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 1103 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among veterans' advocacy groups and legislators who see the need for enhanced consumer protection. They argue that the bill will create a safer environment for veterans seeking assistance. However, there may be some contention regarding the impact of these regulations on legitimate organizations that assist veterans, with concerns that excessive regulation could limit access to aid for veterans who may desperately need assistance in understanding their benefits.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between regulation and accessibility. Some individuals in the discussion expressed concern that while protecting veterans is paramount, overly stringent rules could hinder the availability of support services, especially from smaller or less-funded organizations. Furthermore, the definitions of accredited services and the enforcement mechanisms for wrongful practices might draw scrutiny from those advocating for a less regulated approach while still aiming to help veterans.
Veterans: benefits; Michigan consumer protection act; amend to enhance protections for individuals applying for veterans benefits. Amends sec. 3k of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903k).
Consumer protection: unfair trade practices; protections against deceptive ticket sales; provide for. Amends sec. 3 of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903) & adds sec. 3j.
Veterans: benefits; Michigan consumer protection act; amend to enhance protections for individuals applying for veterans benefits. Amends sec. 3k of 1976 PA 331 (MCL 445.903k).
Elections: candidates; candidates to file applicable reports to be certified by the board of election commissioners; require. Amends sec. 558 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.558).
Law enforcement: employment; licensing and hiring of law enforcement officers that are members of certain groups or engage in certain conducts; prohibit. Creates new act. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5282'23
Civil rights: public records; certain law enforcement disciplinary personnel records; require to be subject to freedom of information act requests. Amends sec. 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.243).
Civil rights: public records; identity of parties proceeding anonymously in civil actions alleging sexual misconduct; exempt from disclosure under freedom of information act. Amends sec. 13 of 1976 PA 442 (MCL 15.243).
Military affairs: other; office of mental health peer mentorship program; establish within the Michigan department of military and veterans affairs. Amends 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.501 - 32.851) by adding sec. 323. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5276'23, HB 5277'23, HB 5280'23, HB 5720'24