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HB 886

Enact the V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 3 co-sponsors

Ohio bill regulates veterans benefits help by requiring accredited providers, fee agreements, and bans on guaranteed outcomes to protect consumers.

Introduced
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Bill Summary · HB 886

Overview

HB 886 (136th General Assembly, Ohio) introduces the Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representation and Navigation Act (V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act). The bill governs the practice of providing veterans claim assistance for compensation, establishing accreditation, fee rules, and consumer protections designed to prevent unfair or deceptive practices in veterans benefits matters.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a regulated framework for individuals and entities offering advice, assistance, or representation related to veterans benefits.
  • Protect veterans, dependents, survivors, and others eligible for veterans benefits from unfair or deceptive practices and excessive fees.
  • Standardize credentialing and fee arrangements to ensure ethical conduct in the provision of veterans benefits services.

Key Provisions

  • Definitions:

    • Compensation: Any money, thing of value, or economic benefit received in return for services related to veterans benefits matters.
    • Veterans benefits matter: Any claim or matter related to benefits, programs, services, or entitlements administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Ohio state government, affecting veterans, dependents, survivors, or eligible individuals.

  • Prohibited Conduct (non-exhaustive):

    • Receiving compensation for preparation, presentation, prosecution, advising, consulting, or assisting with any veterans benefits matter, except as permitted by federal law.
    • Receiving compensation for referring someone to another person for veterans benefits matter assistance.
    • Guaranteeing outcomes in benefits or promising specific benefit levels or amounts.
    • Rendering services for compensation before completing the required fee agreement under federal standards, or charging excessive or unreasonable fees.

  • Accreditation and Fee Agreement Requirements:

    • Anyone seeking compensation for veterans benefits matter work must be accredited under 38 C.F.R. 14.629.
    • Must complete the fee agreement required under 38 C.F.R. 14.636 before rendering services.

  • Penalties and Enforcement:

    • Violations constitute unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with a consumer transaction under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1345 (the Ohio Consumer Protection Act).

Who is Affected

  • Individuals or entities (e.g., advocates, consultants, attorneys, or organizations) that provide assistance or representation in veterans benefits matters in Ohio.
  • Veterans, dependents, survivors, and others eligible for veterans benefits who seek assistance with claims or related matters.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: The text does not specify an effective date; typically, implementation would follow enactment and any required rulemaking or accreditation processes under federal standards (38 C.F.R. provisions) referenced in the bill.
  • Compliance steps for service providers:
    • Obtain accreditation under 38 C.F.R. 14.629 prior to offering compensated services.
    • Execute and adhere to the fee agreement under 38 C.F.R. 14.636 before performing services.
  • Ongoing enforcement under Ohio consumer protection law (Chapter 1345) for violations.

Summary of Impact

  • Aims to raise ethical standards and transparency in the provision of veterans benefits assistance in Ohio.
  • Seeks to deter improper practices such as guaranteed results or unverified fee structures.
  • Introduces a clear accreditation and fee-approval process aligned with federal requirements to protect consumers.
  • Creates potential penalties under state consumer protection law for violations.

Additional Notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Rep. Troy, with co-sponsors Reps. Upchurch, McNally, and Brennan.
  • Full title: Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representation and Navigation Act (V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act).
  • As introduced, the bill focuses on regulating the practice area rather than creating new state-administered benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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