DISABILITY BENEFITS; COMPENSATION S.B. 1103:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 1103 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Sylvia Santana
Committee: Veterans and Emergency Services
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to do the following:
-- Expand the definition of "veterans benefit service" to include disability benefits.
-- Allow only an individual accredited under applicable Federal laws and regulations to represent a veteran or a veteran s family as an agent or attorney.
-- Require a person seeking compensation for providing veterans benefit services for an initial claim for disability benefits to establish amounts to be paid in writing, receive only compensation contingent on an increase in awarded benefits, and protect a client veteran s personal and digital information, among other requirements.
BRIEF RATIONALE
According to testimony, not all veteran s service organizations that assist veterans with applying for available benefits are trustworthy. Reportedly, for-profit companies assist veterans with filing claims and may take advantage of these veterans. Some people believe that the State has a duty to protect veterans from predatory business practices, and so the bill would prescribe standards for for-profit assistance offered to veterans who are seeking help in applying for benefits.
Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 12-12-24 Fiscal Analyst: Bruce R. Baker
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.