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LB 693

Prohibit as a deceptive trade practice certain conduct relating to assistance or referrals in veterans benefits matters

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bob Andersen and 29 co-sponsors

LB 693 bars charging veterans for help with benefits, enforcing UDTPA with exemptions for attorney fee-sharing and state and county veterans' service officers.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 693

Summary of Nebraska LB 693 (2025)

Overview

LB 693, introduced January 22, 2025 by Senator Dan McKeon, aims to protect Nebraska veterans from deceptive trade practices by prohibiting compensation for services related to obtaining veterans benefits. The bill targets practices where individuals charge veterans to assist with VA benefits matters, and it clarifies that free assistance is available from federal, state, county resources, or VA-accredited attorneys.

Purpose and Intent

  • Primary goal: prevent fraud and exploitation of veterans by individuals who charge for help with securing earned veterans benefits.
  • Rationale: Veterans have access to free assistance from federal, state, and county programs, as well as from VA-accredited professionals; the bill seeks to curb practices that take advantage of veterans’ needs.

Key Provisions

  • Amends the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA), Section 87-302, to prohibit:
    • Receiving compensation for preparing, presenting, prosecuting, advising, consulting, or assisting any individual in relation to any veterans benefits matter.
    • Receiving compensation for referrals related to veterans benefits matters.
  • Exceptions:
    • The prohibition does not apply to fee-sharing between attorneys as permitted under Nebraska law and the Nebraska Rules of Professional Conduct.
  • Scope:
    • Applies to conduct not already permitted by federal law.
    • A violation, under the UDTPA, would constitute a deceptive trade practice.
  • Exemptions:
    • County veterans service officers (VSOs) are expressly exempted.
    • An amendment added during committee action extends the exemption to include state veterans service officers (VSOs) as well, alongside county VSOs.

Affected Parties

  • Directly affected: individuals and firms providing paid services or referrals related to veterans benefits in Nebraska (e.g., consultants, claims preparers, benefit advisers, and similar service providers).
  • Indirectly affected: veterans and families seeking benefits, who would be protected from pay-for-service scams.
  • Exemptions: county VSOs and, per amendments, state VSOs remain exempt from the bill’s prohibitions.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Committee: Government, Military and Veterans Affairs
  • Hearing: March 12, 2025
  • Committee action: Advanced to General File with amendments
  • Sponsorship: Primary – Senator Dan McKeon; notable cosponsors include Strommen (status noted as added), among others
  • Legislative actions show ongoing floor consideration and amendments through May 2025

Potential Impact

  • Positively, the bill reduces veteran-targeted fraud and ensures access to free or legally compliant assistance.
  • It clarifies that paid help for veterans benefits matters can be unlawful unless within defined legal exceptions (e.g., attorney fee-sharing).
  • Could affect service providers who previously charged for referral or benefits assistance, requiring adjustments to business models or compliance with exemptions.

Next Steps

  • If advanced, LB 693 would proceed to further readings and votes on the Nebraska Legislature floor, with potential amendments influencing scope and enforcement.

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

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