SB 208 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

VETERANS: Provides relative to certain services provided to veterans. (gov sig)

SB 208 clarifies that Louisiana state law regarding veterans' services does not apply to federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-accredited representatives, such as veterans' service officers or attorneys. The bill specifically states that state regulations cannot limit or expand requirements for these federally regulated professionals. This is a procedural clarification, not a policy change affecting veterans' benefits or services. The bill has been prefaced and referred to the Judiciary Committee B for review.

Bill status failed 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Jun 1, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB208 Original → SB208 Engrossed · 6 edits · May 19, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand protections for veterans by clarifying that the law applies to all individuals, not just accredited representatives, and by adding specific prohibitions on charging fees for contract termination. It also introduces a private right of action allowing veterans to sue for negligence or reckless conduct that causes financial harm, with potential for treble damages.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to explicitly include non-accredited individuals and businesses, and it added new specific prohibitions on fee structures and data handling practices.

SCOPE

Changed the target of the law from only accredited agents to 'any person' to ensure broader protection for veterans against unauthorized fee-charging.

REQUIREMENT

Added a prohibition against charging fees for terminating contracts, allowing fees only for work actually performed before the termination request.

Added a prohibition on businesses using international call centers or accessing veterans' personal login credentials.

Added a requirement for service providers to submit annual statistical data to the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding claim outcomes.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a new private right of action allowing veterans to sue for damages if a service provider's negligence causes a reduction in disability rating or denial of benefits.

Established that successful lawsuits can result in treble damages for intentional misconduct.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 24, 2026 · House May 19, 2026

How they voted

38–0

Passed · 2 other

Total votes 40

Mar 24, 2026

D Democratic12

12 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican28

26 Yea 2

92% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Notice of Senate rejecting Conference Committee Report.

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Notice House Conference Committee members appointed.

upper

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Notice Senate recommtted the report to the Conference Committee.

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Notice Senate has discharged the Conference Committee.

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Discharged from Conference Committee.

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Committee

The Senate recommitted the report to the Conference Committee.

upper

Jun 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

Notice the House discharged the Conference Committee.

upper

Jun 1, 2026

Committee

The House recommitted the bill to Conference Committee.

lower

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Conference Committee report received.

lower

May 29, 2026

Lower · Passed

Conference Committee report received. Lies over under the rules.

lower

May 29, 2026

Upper · Passed

Conference committee report received.

upper

May 27, 2026

Upper · Passed

Notice House Conference Committee members appointed.

upper

May 25, 2026

Introduced

Notice of Senate rejecting House amendments.

lower

May 21, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate conference committee members appointed: Cathey, Reese, and Talbot.

upper

May 19, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 97, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

lower

May 11, 2026

Introduced

Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

lower

May 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported favorably (17-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

lower

Mar 26, 2026

Committee

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

lower

Mar 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Read by title, passed by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays, and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

upper

Mar 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported with amendments.

upper

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary B.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors