The bipartisan GUARD VA Benefits Act, sponsored by Reps Anna Eskamani and Michelle Salzman, receives unanimous support and moves closer to becoming law.
Tallahassee, FL: A bill to crack down on businesses defrauding U.S. military veterans cleared its first committee on Wednesday, receiving unanimous support from the House Local Administration, Federal Affairs & Special Districts Subcommittee.
Sponsored by Reps. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) and Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County), House Bill 1351 aims to stop unaccredited entities from preying upon veterans by charging them illegal fees for assistance in filing claims for disability benefits.
The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding VA Benefits Act – also known as the GUARD VA Benefits Act – would expose such entities to enforcement actions under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Federal law already prohibits individuals and businesses who are not accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from charging a veteran a fee to assist in the filing a VA benefit claim. But Congress eliminated criminal penalties for violators in 2006, leading to the emergence of a cottage industry of for-profit, claims-assistance companies that are flouting federal law and charging veterans exorbitant fees.
Right now, there are more than 100 unaccredited claims companies preying on U.S. veterans, according to The American Legion.
“All of us owe a debt to our veterans for their service defending our country and our democracy,” said Representative Eskamani. “It is utterly sickening that some bad actors are preying upon our veterans for profit. We will put a stop to it in Florida while also supporting our accredited agencies in delivering critical benefits to our veterans.”
Winning approval from an initial committee is a crucial first step in the Florida Legislature. The vote ensures that HB 1351 will continue progressing and have multiple pathways to passage before the 2024 Legislative Session ends on March 8.
The Senate companion to the GUARD VA Benefits Act – Senate Bill 1452, sponsored by Sen. Victor Torres (D-Orlando) – passed its first committee last week, when it was unanimously approved by the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee.
“As a Marine and Veteran I know the sacrifices and service our military personnel provide to our nation, “ said Senator Torres. “ I am proud to sponsor this bill that punishes those who would attempt to defraud our honorable Florida Veterans and take away much-needed financial resources for veterans services across our State.”