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SB231 • 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.

Healthcare
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
2026-01-08
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 who can help veterans get benefits, what they can charge, and how they must behave when helping.

What This Bill Does

  • It says that people cannot be paid to help others with getting veterans' benefits unless it is allowed by federal law.
  • It stops people from charging too much or unreasonable fees for their services related to veterans' benefits.
  • It bans certain unfair practices, like making someone open a joint bank account or use electronic transfers in ways that break the rules.
  • It requires anyone who wants to be paid for helping with veterans' benefits to have a written agreement signed by both parties before they start working.
  • It says people must give clear information about their services and fees when advertising or starting a business relationship.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who help others get veterans' benefits
  • Veterans seeking benefits

Terms To Know

Veterans' Benefits
Money, healthcare, and other support given by the government to people who have served in the military.
Preauthorized Transactions
Financial transactions that are set up ahead of time with permission from both parties involved.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens if someone breaks these rules.
  • It is unclear how the new rules will be enforced or who will check for violations.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-08 Senate

    Authored by Senator Tomes

  2. 2026-01-08 Senate

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

Official Summary Text

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

Provides that a person may not receive compensation for: (1) the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of; or (2) advising, consulting, or assisting an individual regarding; a veterans' benefits matter, 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 may not receive excessive or unreasonable fees for services related to veterans' benefits matters. Provides that a person may not condition the repayment of fees: (1) upon the opening of a joint account with the recipient of veterans' benefits from which the person may make withdrawals; (2) upon the use of electronic funds transfers; or (3) by requiring an individual to act, in any manner, in violation of federal requirements relating to preauthorized transactions. Provides that a person may not collect, or attempt to collect, any fee for services rendered after receipt of benefits by a veteran or any other individual eligible for the benefits, if the person participated in the veterans' benefits matter prior to the issuance of veterans' benefits, and if the transaction was structured with an intent to avoid prohibited acts. Provides that a person seeking to receive compensation for services related to veterans' benefits matters must, before rendering any services, enter into a written agreement that is signed by both parties and that complies with federal regulations, including all terms regarding the payment of fees for services rendered. Requires a person to provide certain disclosures when entering into a business relationship with an individual or advertising for compensation services. Provides that a violation constitutes a deceptive act under the law concerning deceptive consumer sales and senior consumer protection provisions.