An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund; in veterans' organizations, further providing for grants to veterans' service officer programs and providing for veterans' claims assistance standards; and imposing penalties.
What changed between versions
Added requirement for the department to publish a publicly accessible list of all registered entities providing veterans' benefits assistance services.
Expanded disclosure requirements to include whether assistance includes claim preparation, presentation, consultation, or related support.
Added new prohibited practices including representing special access to government claims systems or ability to expedite claims.
Added prohibition against requesting or inducing veterans to provide login credentials, passwords, or secure access information for federal or state veterans' benefits systems.
Modified compensation limits to specify that compensation cannot exceed the lesser of five times the monthly increase awarded or $12,500 total.
Added requirement that persons subject to the section may not request, require, or induce veterans to provide secure access information for veterans' benefits systems.
Added provision stating that contracts entered into in violation of the section are void and unenforceable, and compensation obtained through such contracts cannot be collected or retained.
Added new enforcement mechanism allowing the department to refer suspected violations to the Attorney General, appropriate district attorney, or relevant professional licensing board.
