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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 13, 2024 12:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Sheryl M. Delozier |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Protecting Veterans Against Claim Sharks |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will protect the brave men and women who served our nation by combatting those who would exploit them for their rightfully earned benefits. Veterans often face challenges when applying for and receiving the benefits they deserve. Because of their vulnerable state there are many unsavory individuals and organizations that exploit these individuals by charging excessive fees and engaging in predatory practices to take advantage of our veterans' trust and to capitalize on their need for claims assistance. These bad actors are known as “claim sharks” and are not VA-accredited. As such they do not adhere to the level of professional standards and service quality expected of accredited organizations. With that in mind, Pennsylvania must join the growing number of states enacting veterans benefits claims protections to safeguard our veterans from these criminal and exploitative practices. This legislation will mirror the proposed federal GUARD VA Benefits Act and will prohibit the charging for veteran-related services, except as permitted under federal law. By protecting them from unauthorized fees and predatory practices, we can ensure that these brave men and women receive the benefits they have rightfully earned through their service and sacrifices made for our country without needing to worry about being taken advantage of by bad actors. Our veterans should never have to pay to receive the benefits they deserve when they have already done so through their service. I hope that you will join me in co-sponsoring this worthwhile legislation to safeguard against the exploitation of our veterans. |
Introduced as HB2466
Memo Updated: June 13, 2024 12:20 PM