WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 66

relative to third-party veterans' claims assistance and protection.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Carson and 7 co-sponsors

Regulates third-party veterans’ claims assistants to protect veterans by setting standards, fees, disclosure, and oversight to prevent abuse and ensure secure, transparent service.

Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 01/07/2026; SJ 1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 66

Summary of SB 66 (New Hampshire, 2026)

Title

Relating to third-party veterans' claims assistance and protection

Purpose andIntent

SB 66 addresses the role of third-party entities or individuals who assist veterans with claims for benefits, aiming to regulate and protect veterans in the claims process. The bill seeks to outline standards, responsibilities, and protections for entities or persons (third parties) who provide assistance to veterans in pursuing benefits, with emphasis on ensuring accuracy, transparency, and appropriate conduct.

Key Provisions and Changes (as proposed)

  • Third-party claims assistance requirements

    • Establishes criteria for individuals or organizations that offer claims assistance to veterans.
    • May require registration, licensing, or endorsement to operate as a third-party claims assistant.
    • Likely sets qualifications (e.g., ethics, training, background checks) to ensure competent support for veterans.

  • Protections for veterans

    • Provisions to safeguard veterans from abusive or deceptive practices by third-party assistants.
    • Mechanisms to address complaints, misuse of veterans' information, and improper charging practices.
    • Potential establishment of a code of conduct or disclosure requirements (fees, services offered, mandated disclosures of relationships to agencies or benefits programs).

  • Fees, contracts, and disclosures

    • Requirements for transparent fee structures and written contracts outlining services and costs.
    • Provisions to prevent up-front or unreasonable charges, with possible caps or prohibitions on certain fee arrangements.
    • Disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest and any relationships to government agencies or benefit programs.

  • Enforcement and oversight

    • Creation or designation of a regulatory or oversight body to enforce the provisions (e.g., consumer protection or veterans’ affairs office).
    • Penalties for violations, including civil penalties, license/s registration revocation, or other corrective actions.
    • Authority for the state to investigate complaints and take action against non-compliant third parties.

  • Privacy and information handling

    • Protections around veterans’ personal and medical information shared with third-party assistants.
    • Requirements for secure handling, storage, and transmission of sensitive data.

  • Scope and applicability

    • Defines who counts as a “third-party” claims assistant (e.g., private consultants, non-profit advocates, for-profit firms, attorneys—depending on NH practice).
    • Specifies whether the act applies to all veteran benefits claims or particular programs (e.g., federal VA benefits, state programs).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Veterans and family members
    • Individuals seeking assistance with benefits claims from third-party entities.
  • Third-party claims assistants and organizations
    • Private consultants, firms, or other entities that provide claims assistance to veterans.
  • State agencies and offices
    • State government bodies responsible for enforcement, oversight, and consumer protection in matters related to veterans’ benefits.
  • Healthcare and veteran services providers
    • Entities that may interact with third-party assistants in the process of facilitating claims.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral and study timeline
    • Initial referral to interim study (January 7, 2026) indicates the bill may undergo assessment by a committee to evaluate feasibility, impact, and implementation details before potential further action.
    • Previous committee activity shows multiple rounds of consideration and testimonies, with hearings and formal committee reports.
  • Committee action history
    • Throughout 2025–2026, the bill went through committee referrals, rereferences, and interim study discussions, with votes indicating ongoing legislative consideration.
    • Notable milestones include hearings scheduled in January 2025 and a committee report with a positive vote to move to interim study in late 2025 and early 2026.

Potential Impact

  • Improves protection for veterans against predatory or opaque third-party claims assistance.
  • Enhances transparency in services offered and cost structures.
  • Creates accountability mechanisms and potential remedies for veterans who are misled or overcharged.
  • Establishes regulatory oversight that could shape how veterans access help with benefit claims in New Hampshire.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on regulating third-party veterans’ claims assistance and protecting veterans during the benefits claims process, based on the available legislative history and title. For a deeper understanding, review the current text of SB 66, fiscal impact statements, and any amendments proposed during interim study.

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

Sign in to ask a question.