Tennessee Senate Bill SB0362

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Engrossed: 3/3/25
• Enrolled: 4/8/25
• Passed: 4/21/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47 and Title 58, relative to veteran benefits.

Impact

The SAVE Act significantly impacts individuals and entities that assist veterans in filing claims for benefits. Under the new regulations, advisors will not be allowed to receive compensation for referring veterans unless certain conditions are met, including the necessity to have a written agreement detailing payment terms. Furthermore, it limits compensation to a maximum of five times the amount of any increase in benefits awarded to a veteran, aimed at preventing excessive fees and ensuring that veterans receive fair assistance.

Summary

Senate Bill 362, known as the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment (SAVE) Act, aims to amend Tennessee law regarding the provision of services related to veteran benefits. The bill introduces specific regulations on how individuals and businesses can charge for assistance concerning veteran benefit matters, establishing clarity around what constitutes acceptable compensation and prohibiting certain practices. This act seeks to protect veterans from potential exploitation by ensuring transparency in how fees are disclosed and limiting compensation structures tied to benefit claims.

Provision

The act emphasizes accountability by mandating that any entity providing services related to veteran benefits undergoes a background check for personnel accessing sensitive information. It is also clear that violations of these provisions are classified under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, which entails penalties for non-compliance. The SAVE Act takes effect on July 1, 2025, thereby allowing time for stakeholders to adjust to the new legal landscape surrounding veteran benefit assistance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB 362 include concerns from advocates about potential unintended consequences on access to legal and advisory services for veterans. Critics argue that while the intention behind the bill is to protect veterans, it could simultaneously create barriers for those seeking help, particularly if the regulations are interpreted too strictly. Additionally, the stipulation that advisors cannot charge an initial or nonrefundable fee may deter some from offering their services altogether.