HB0210

Prohibits compensation for advising or assisting with veterans' benefits except as permitted under federal law, and establishes requirements for fee agreements, disclosures, and penalties.

• Prohibits any person from receiving compensation for advising, assisting, or referring persons regarding veterans' benefits matters, except as permitted under federal law. (W.S. 40-12-801(b))
• Requires persons seeking compensation for veterans' benefits services to provide a written fee agreement signed by both parties that adheres to federal regulations at 38 C.F.R. § 14.636. (W.S. 40-12-801(c))
• Prohibits compensation for any services rendered before a notice of disagreement is filed in the person's case. (W.S. 40-12-801(d))
• Prohibits guarantees that a person will receive specific veterans' benefits or specific amounts, either directly or by implication. (W.S. 40-12-801(e))
• Prohibits excessive or unreasonable fees, with reasonableness determined using factors specified in 38 C.F.R. § 14.636. (W.S. 40-12-801(f))
• Requires persons providing compensated veterans' benefits services to disclose orally and in writing that the business is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or Wyoming Military Department, and that free services may be available elsewhere. (W.S. 40-12-801(g))
• Requires the written disclosure to appear in at least 12-point font in a readily noticeable place in the service agreement, and requires the person to sign acknowledging understanding and verbally acknowledge the oral disclosure. (W.S. 40-12-801(g))
• Requires service providers to retain a copy of the written disclosure while providing services and for at least one year after the service relationship ends. (W.S. 40-12-801(g))
• Requires all advertisements for compensated veterans' benefits services to include the required disclosure, prominently displayed in printed advertisements and spoken in the first instance for verbal advertisements.