HB 3865

Abstract

Amends the Department of Veterans' Affairs Act. Provides that a person or company advertising veterans' benefits appeal services must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement that such services are also offered at no cost by county veterans service officers. Provides that a person who provides veterans' benefits services in exchange for compensation shall (i) provide a written disclosure statement to each client or prospective client and (ii) obtain the client's signature on a written disclosure statement containing an attestation by the client that the client has read and understands the written disclosure statement. Directs the Department of Veterans' Affairs to investigate alleged violations and to submit the results of any investigation to the Office of the Attorney General if the Department concludes that a violation has occurred. Provides that if, upon review, the Attorney General decides to file a complaint, the Attorney General must do so within 90 days of receiving the results of the Department's investigation. Imposes a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation of the amendatory Act. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 2805/2 20 ILCS 2805/39 new Adds reference to: 815 ILCS 505/2WWW new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Requires persons providing veteran or military benefit services to make disclosures that the benefits are available without charge. Provides that it is an unlawful practice under that Act to fail to make the required disclosure, fail to comply with fiduciary responsibilities under federal law, and to charge fees in violation of federal law.