Veterans

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 40 to limit the compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits; prohibit persons seeking compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting on a veterans' benefits matter from utilizing international call or data centers, directly or aggressively soliciting business, gaining access to personal medical, financial, or benefits log-in or password information, charging interest, and utilizing a doctor with whom they have an employment or business relationship; limit the fee for representation; require any person receiving compensation for assisting on a veterans' benefits matter to report to the Kentucky Department of Veterans' Affairs (KDVA) annually; allow KDVA to promulgate form for the report and display it on their website; establish that violators constitute a violation of the Consumer Protection Act; provide that attorneys and law firms seeking to receive compensation for advising, assisting, or consulting any individual with any veterans' benefits matter shall be governed federal regulations.

HB 369 adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a qualifying condition for veterans to access hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in Kentucky. It amends state law to allow veterans diagnosed with PTSD - confirmed by a treating health care provider - to receive HBOT, expanding eligibility beyond traumatic brain injury. The bill requires written informed consent from veterans or their legal guardians, detailing treatment options, potential outcomes, and financial responsibility for the therapy. This policy change directly affects Kentucky veterans with PTSD seeking this specific medical treatment option.

HB 436 amends Kentucky state park fee rules to exempt graduates of the PGA HOPE program (a golf program for veterans and active-duty military) and one guest from paying green fees on state park golf courses. Instead, they only pay standard golf cart rental fees. To qualify, graduates must present a valid PGA HOPE graduate card at the time of rental. This policy change directly affects eligible veterans and military personnel using state park facilities.

Urge Congress to create an accreditation pathway through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for private companies assisting veterans with their benefits.