Veterans (Veteran Benefits)

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 2732 requires Kansas to include on death certificates of veterans with a service-connected disability or a condition presumed service-connected by the VA whether the cause of death is related to military service. The state registrar must maintain a confidential roster of these veterans, and cause of death certifiers must use this roster to determine and document the connection. Survivors of such veterans will receive two free copies of the death certificate showing this relationship, which helps them apply for veterans' benefits without needing additional proof.

SB 433 prohibits individuals or companies from charging fees for assisting veterans with claims before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, or Kansas Veterans Services. It requires the Kansas Veterans Services office to provide free counseling on the claims process to potential claimants (excluding those seeking burial, healthcare, or education benefits), and makes any assistance contract void if counseling isn’t completed. The bill also bans contracts from requiring veterans to share login credentials or waive consumer protection rights, and treats violations as unconscionable under Kansas consumer law. This directly affects veterans navigating benefit claims and service providers offering such assistance.

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.