Veterans and Military

HB 2646 prohibits charging fees for assisting veterans with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or Kansas Veterans Services. It bans contracts requiring veterans to share login credentials or waive consumer rights, and makes violations subject to Kansas consumer protection laws. The bill mandates that Kansas Veterans Services provide free counseling about the benefits claims process before any assistance contract is signed, except for claims involving burial, healthcare, or education benefits. This directly affects veterans navigating benefits and for-profit claims assistance providers operating in Kansas. The law aims to prevent exploitation by restricting fee structures and requiring transparency in the claims process.

HB 2213 prohibits charging fees for helping veterans file or manage claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense, or Kansas Office of Veterans Services. It bans both direct fees for assistance with veterans' benefit claims and referral fees to others who provide such help. Violators face penalties under Kansas consumer protection law and must follow attorney ethics rules like confidentiality and honesty. The law specifically allows standard attorney fee splits under existing Kansas rules but targets non-attorney fee-chargers exploiting veterans.

HB 2214, the SAVE Act, limits fees charged by non-governmental advocates helping veterans navigate benefits claims. It prohibits upfront or nonrefundable fees and caps compensation at five times the monthly benefit increase if a claim succeeds. The bill requires written agreements, mandates specific disclosures that the service isn't affiliated with the VA or free government programs, and bans guarantees of specific benefits. It also includes data privacy rules for advocates handling veterans' personal information, such as requiring criminal background checks for staff accessing medical or financial data. The law applies to individuals or businesses charging for veterans benefits assistance, excluding VA-accredited representatives.

HB 2188, the "Defend the Guard Act," prohibits Kansas National Guard members from being deployed for active combat outside Kansas without a formal U.S. congressional declaration of war or specific constitutional authorization under Article I, Section 8. It requires the governor to prevent such deployments and aligns with the state's view that Congress, not the executive, holds exclusive war powers. The bill does not affect domestic missions like disaster response under Title 32 of federal law. It directly impacts Kansas Guard members and the governor’s authority to manage deployments.

HB 2256 creates the "Order of the Sunflower," a new award to honor military spouses in Kansas for community service. It directs the governor to present this award to spouses who made a significant impact on their military unit, installation, community, or the state, based on nominations submitted via the governor's website. Nominations must include service dates, key accomplishments, and recommendations from the spouse's military unit command. The bill establishes a formal process for recognition but does not create new funding or alter existing laws.