AB-826 • 2026

Deceptive practices: service members and veterans.

Budget

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Jeff Gonzalez
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill text specifies that fines go to the Veterans Service Office Fund and the office of the district attorney but does not specify how it will be used or monitored.

Protecting Veterans from Deceptive Practices

This law makes it illegal for businesses or individuals to charge fees to help veterans file benefit claims unless they are officially accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

What This Bill Does

Expands laws that prevent unfair and deceptive practices when advertising services related to veterans' benefits.
Prohibits charging a fee to assist veterans in filing benefit claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs unless the person is accredited.
Makes it illegal for unaccredited individuals or businesses to charge fees for helping veterans file benefit claims.

Who It Names or Affects

Veterans seeking assistance in filing benefits claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Businesses or individuals offering services related to veterans' benefits

Terms To Know

accredited: Officially approved by a government agency to perform certain tasks.
Veterans Service Officer: A person employed by a veterans service organization and officially approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans with claims and benefits.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how it will be enforced or monitored.
It is unclear if there are any exceptions for non-profit organizations helping veterans.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2026-01-12 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2026-01-06 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2026-01-05 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on JUD. Read second time and amended.
2025-04-21 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 8). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2025-04-03 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
2025-04-02 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-25 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on M. & V.A. and JUD.
2025-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
2025-02-19 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 826, as amended, Jeff Gonzalez.
Veterans’ benefits: protections.
Deceptive practices: service members and veterans.
The Consumers Legal Remedies Act makes unlawful certain unfair methods of competition and certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by a person in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to a consumer, including advertising or promoting any event, presentation, seminar, workshop, or other public gathering regarding veterans’ benefits or entitlements that does not include certain statements, as specified.
This bill would expand the above-described unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts to include advertising or promoting any service that does not include the specified
statements.
Existing law establishes the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is responsible for administering various programs and services for the benefit of veterans. Existing law authorizes veterans service organizations, as specified, to contract with the department to pursue claims against the United States. Existing law defines “veterans service officer” as an individual employed by a veterans service organization and accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to process and adjudicate claims and other benefits for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Existing law establishes the Veterans Service Office Fund, which, upon appropriation by the Legislature, may be used to expand the support of county veterans service offices.
This bill would prohibit a person or business from charging a fee to assist a veteran with the filing
of a veterans’ benefit claim to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs unless they are accredited for that purpose. The bill would make a violation of these provisions punishable by a $2,000 civil fine payable to the Veterans Service Office Fund and to the office of the district attorney that processed the fine, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

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