HB 25-1047

HB 25-1047 is a Colorado law that aims to protect veterans by making it illegal for companies or individuals to charge unreasonable fees for helping veterans file claims for benefits. It also prohibits guaranteeing specific outcomes and requires written agreements for any services related to veterans' benefits. This bill affects anyone who provides assistance with veterans' benefit claims in Colorado, ensuring they follow fair practices and federal guidelines. Since the status is "signed," this means the law has been approved by the legislature and signed into effect by the governor, making it enforceable now.

Official Summary

Federal law governs whether, when, and how much a service provider may charge for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting a claim for veterans' benefits (veterans' benefits matter). However, criminal penalties for violations of the federal law are no longer in force. The bill makes it a deceptive trade practice under the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" for a person to: Solicit, contract for, charge, or receive compensation for providing certain services to an individual claiming veterans' benefits (individual), unless the charges are reasonable and otherwise permissible under federal law; Charge for a referral for assistance with a veterans' benefits matter; Guarantee a particular outcome in a veterans' benefits matter; or Fail to memorialize in a written, signed agreement all terms regarding an individual's payment of fees for the service.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

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