KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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SB136 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning public safety.

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning public safety.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Senator James Tomes
Last action
2026-01-05
Official status
Introduced Senate Bill (S)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

Checked against official source text during the last sync.

Rules for Helping Veterans Get Benefits

This bill sets rules about getting paid for helping veterans with their benefits, ensuring compliance with federal laws and preventing excessive fees.

What This Bill Does

  • It says people can't get paid for helping veterans unless they follow federal laws.
  • People can't get paid just for telling others to help veterans with their benefits.
  • Before starting any work, both the helper and veteran must sign a written agreement about fees that complies with federal regulations.
  • Fees for helping veterans must be fair and not too high.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Anyone who helps veterans apply for or get benefits
  • Veterans seeking help with their benefits

Terms To Know

Compensation
Money paid to someone as payment for work done.
Deceptive act
An action that tricks or misleads people, especially in sales.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify the consequences of breaking these rules.
  • It is unclear how this will be enforced and who will check for violations.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-05 Senate

    Authored by Senator Tomes

  2. 2026-01-05 Senate

    First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military

  3. 2026-01-05 Senate

    Withdrawn

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning public safety.
Assistance in obtaining veteran benefits.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning public safety.

Assistance in obtaining veteran benefits.

Provides that a person may not receive compensation for services related to veterans' benefits matters except as permitted under federal law. Provides that a person may not receive compensation for referring an individual to another person to provide services related to veterans' benefits matters. Provides that a person seeking to receive compensation for services related to veterans' benefits matters must, before rendering any services, memorialize in a written agreement that is signed by both parties and that complies with federal regulations all terms regarding the payment of fees for services rendered. Provides that a person may not receive excessive or unreasonable fees for services related to veterans' benefits matters. Provides that a violation constitutes a deceptive act under the law concerning deceptive consumer sales.