Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0990

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

"SAVE ACT") (Establishes the "safeguarding American veteran empowerment act".

Impact

The proposed legislation would significantly alter the landscape of commercial services provided to veterans. By forbidding any compensation to individuals assisting veterans unless explicitly acknowledged by the veteran, the bill seeks to curb fraudulent practices and ensure that veterans are not taken advantage of during vulnerable periods. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if compensation is charged, it must be contingent upon the successful increase of benefits awarded, which introduces a performance-based payment structure. This is aimed at protecting veterans from scammers and ensuring that they receive legitimate assistance.

Summary

Senate Bill S0990, also known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE Act), aims to regulate and provide protections for veterans seeking assistance with claims related to veterans' benefits. The bill is designed to prevent exploitation of veterans by requiring that any individual or business providing services for veterans' benefits matters do so without upfront fees or guarantees of success. It emphasizes the necessity for transparency in the relationship between veterans and service providers, ensuring that veterans are aware of their rights and the availability of free services through government organizations.

Contention

While the bill aims to safeguard the interests of veterans, there are potential areas of contention regarding how strictly it will be enforced and the implications for businesses that specialize in helping veterans. Critics may argue that this could limit the options for veterans to find guidance when filing for benefits, particularly if the services offered are held to rigorous standards that may not always reflect the needs or capabilities of individual veterans. Furthermore, opponents may voice concerns that the provisions could discourage legitimate businesses from offering their services to veterans.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5831

Requires anyone engaged in the sale of goods or services, and who offers a discount to its customers’ for utilizing automatic payment systems, via ACH or EFT or similar payment systems, provide the same discount to any person who is sixty-five (65

RI S0172

Provides an interest rate cap on medical debt.

RI H5235

Provides an interest rate cap on medical debt.

RI H5567

Prohibits disclosure terms "down payment", "money down", or any similar language to describe lump sum payments in order to reduce monthly lease payments. Provides that lump sum payments are non-refundable in the event of a total loss of the vehicle.

RI S0175

Prohibits disclosure terms "down payment", "money down", or any similar language to describe lump sum payments in order to reduce monthly lease payments. Provides that lump sum payments are non-refundable in the event of a total loss of the vehicle.

RI H5215

Provides that health clubs must discontinue automatic deductions from the consumer's account or credit card within 30 calendar days of receiving a notice to stop from the consumer.

RI S0085

Requires grocery stores to specifically limit the number of self-service checkout units to six (6) units per location. The consumer protection unit of the department of attorney general would have authority to enforce these restrictions.

RI H5551

Provides that an electronic shelving label by itself would not satisfy the disclosure and display requirements for unit pricing by way of the attachment of a stamp, tag or label to the commodity.

Similar Bills

CA SB277

Criminal procedure: search of persons.

CA AB937

Plastic products: commercial agricultural mulch film: labeling: soil biodegradable.

CA AB2632

Segregated confinement.

CA AB1464

Housing preferences.

MI SB0975

Employment security: benefits; disqualification from benefits; modify. Amends sec. 29 of 1936 (Ex Sess) PA 1 (MCL 421.29).

CA AB2564

Individual Shared Responsibility Penalty: waiver: health care service plans.

CA SB479

Termination of tenancy: no-fault just cause: natural person.

CA SB1428

Reproductive health: mifepristone and other medication.