SB 73: "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act' or "SAVE Act"; enact

Under current Georgia law, there is no specific rule in the Fair Business Practices Act (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-390 et seq.) governing companies that charge veterans to help them file benefits claims. This bill adds a new section, O.C.G.A. § 10-1-409, that regulates anyone who advises, assists, or consults with a veteran on a 'veterans' benefits matter' for pay. The bill bans paid referrals between businesses handling veterans' claims, restricts charging veterans within the first year after they leave active duty unless the veteran signs a written waiver of free help, and caps success fees at five times the monthly increase in benefits a veteran receives. It also bans upfront or nonrefundable fees, bans guaranteeing outcomes, requires a specific written and spoken disclosure before signing an agreement, bans using foreign call centers or requesting a veteran's login credentials, and requires background checks for employees who access veterans' medical or financial data. Violations count as unfair or deceptive trade practices, with each day of violation treated separately. The law would take effect as soon as the Governor signs it.

• Bans anyone from receiving payment for referring a veteran to another business or person for help with a veterans' benefits claim.
• Restricts charging a veteran within one year of leaving active duty unless the veteran signs a written waiver acknowledging free help is available.
• Caps compensation for helping a veteran with a benefits claim at five times the monthly increase in benefits awarded, and bans upfront or nonrefundable fees.
• Requires businesses to give veterans a specific written and spoken disclosure, in at least 12-point type, before signing a services agreement.
• Bans guaranteeing a veteran will receive a specific benefits outcome, and bans using overseas call centers or requesting a veteran's login credentials.
• Requires background checks for employees who access a veteran's medical or financial information, and makes violations an unfair or deceptive trade practice under Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act.

Veterans and other people eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Georgia Department of Veterans Service benefits, and any businesses, consultants, or individuals who charge fees to help them file or pursue benefits claims. It does not apply to attorneys or agents already accredited and regulated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans seeking help with benefits claims would gain new fee limits, mandatory disclosures, and data-security protections when dealing with paid consultants, which could reduce predatory fees and referral schemes while still allowing paid assistance outside the newly restricted first year after service.

• Section 1 gives the Act its short title, the 'Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act' or 'SAVE Act.'
• Section 2 adds new Code section 10-1-409 defining 'compensation,' 'person,' 'veteran,' and 'veterans' benefits matter.'
• Subsection (b) bans paid referrals between persons handling veterans' benefits matters.
• Subsection (c) restricts paid services within the one-year presumptive period after active duty release unless the veteran signs a written waiver.
• Subsection (d) requires a written fee agreement, caps compensation at five times the monthly benefit increase, and bans nonrefundable upfront fees.
• Subsection (g) requires a specific oral and written disclosure, in at least 12-point type, before a veteran signs a services agreement, kept on file for at least a year after the agreement ends.
• Subsection (h) and (i) ban overseas processing of veterans' data and requests for login credentials, and require background checks for employees accessing veterans' medical or financial information.
• Subsection (j) makes any violation an unfair or deceptive trade practice, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate violation; the law takes effect upon the Governor's signature.

1. 2025-02-04Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2025-02-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)Primary sponsor
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)

• veterans benefits
• consumer protection
• fair business practices
• fees and disclosures