HB 108: Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act or SAVE Act; enact

Georgia veterans seeking help filing claims for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Georgia Department of Veterans Service currently have limited state-level protections against companies that charge them for assistance. This bill adds a new section to Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act of 1975 (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-409) aimed at people and businesses who charge veterans for help with benefits claims. The bill bans referral fees, limits when someone can charge a veteran within the first year after leaving active duty, requires a written fee agreement before services begin, and caps compensation at five times the monthly benefit increase (up to $12,500). It bans upfront fees, requires a specific written and spoken disclosure statement, restricts use of overseas call centers for veterans' data, and requires background checks and VA accreditation for anyone charging for this help. Violations count as unfair trade practices, and the Attorney General can fine violators at least $10,000 per violation. The law would take effect as soon as the Governor signs it.

• Bans anyone from being paid to refer a veteran to another person for help with a veterans' benefits claim.
• Restricts charging veterans within one year of leaving active duty unless they sign a written waiver of free available services.
• Requires a written fee agreement before services start and caps pay at five times the monthly benefit increase, up to $12,500, with no upfront or nonrefundable fees allowed.
• Requires a specific spoken and written disclosure statement, in at least 14-point type, telling veterans the business is not affiliated with the VA or Georgia Department of Veterans Service.
• Bans use of overseas call centers for veterans' personal data and requires VA accreditation plus background checks for staff handling veterans' medical or financial information.
• Makes violations an unfair trade practice under Georgia consumer law, with fines of at least $10,000 per violation and each day of a violation counted separately.

Georgia veterans and other eligible people applying for VA or state veterans' benefits, along with any businesses, consultants, or individuals who charge for help preparing or filing those claims. VA-accredited agents, attorneys, and representatives already regulated by the federal VA are explicitly excluded from these new state requirements.

Veterans navigating benefits claims would gain specific protections against high fees, misleading guarantees, and data misuse by paid consultants, while businesses that charge for this help would face new disclosure duties, fee caps, and potential fines starting as soon as the Governor signs the bill.

• Section 1 names the bill the 'Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act' or 'SAVE Act.'
• Section 2 adds new Code Section 10-1-409 defining key terms including 'compensation,' 'veteran,' and 'veterans' benefits matter.'
• Subsection (b) bans compensation for referring individuals to another person for help with a veterans' benefits matter.
• Subsection (c) restricts paid claims filed within one year of active duty release unless the veteran signs a written waiver of free services.
• Subsection (d) requires a written fee agreement and caps compensation at five times the monthly benefit increase, capped at $12,500, with no upfront fees.
• Subsection (g) mandates a specific oral and written disclosure statement in at least 14-point type before any paid services agreement.
• Subsections (h) and (i) prohibit overseas data processing and require VA accreditation and background checks for anyone handling veterans' sensitive information.
• Subsections (j) through (l) make violations unfair trade practices, with a minimum $10,000 civil penalty per violation and each day counted separately; Section 3 sets the effective date upon the Governor's signature.

1. 2026-03-25Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senado)
2. 2026-01-12Senate Recommitted (Senado)
3. 2025-03-21Senate Read Second Time (Senado)
4. 2025-03-20Senate Committee Favorably Reported (Senado)
5. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Referred (Senado)
6. 2025-02-26House Passed/Adopted (Cámara de Representantes)
7. 2025-02-26House Third Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
8. 2025-02-12House Committee Favorably Reported (Cámara de Representantes)

• Josh Bonner (R, HD-073)Patrocinador principal
• David Clark (R, HD-100)
• Brian Prince (D, HD-132)
• Charles Cannon (R, HD-172)
• Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)

1. AprobadaVotación: Cámara de Representantes26 de febrero de 2025

   158 a favor, 10 en contra (4 sin votar, 8 ausentes)

   Passage: House Vote #85

• veterans benefits
• consumer protection
• fair business practices
• veterans fraud
• Georgia Department of Veterans Service