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Minutes for HB2213 - Committee on Veterans and Military
Short Title
Prohibiting certain conduct and improper collection of veterans benefits fees.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 6, 2025
Revisor Carly Choi, Office of Revisor Statutes,(Attachment 1) explained that the bill would prohibit certain conduct and improper collection of veterans benefits fees.
Johnnie Keller, Salina Area Veterans Assistance Group (Attachment 2) testified as a proponent to the bill. He explained the zero out of pocket cost to veterans seeking assistance from the VA.
Jim Karleskint, Veterans of Foreign War, (Attachment 3), testified as a proponent to the bill. He explained that the intent of the bill is to prevent individuals or a company that charges fees to "assist" or "consult" a veteran with filing their benefit claim.
Mike Kelly, Military Officers Association of America, (Attachment 4) testified as a proponent to the bill. He explained that veterans are protected under the Kansas Consumer Protection Laws.
David Kennedy, VFW Service Officer, (Attachment 5) testified as a proponent to the bill. He explained that the bill will help protect the veterans of Kansas from being taken advantage of by unethical and unprofessional claim predators.
Peter O'Rourke, National Association for Veterans Rights, (Attachment 6) testified as an opponent to the bill. He explained that this bill would unintentionally impose undue restrictions on reputable organizations that are committed to providing high-quality claims assistance.
Bill Taylor, Veterans Guardian VA Claim Consulting LLC, (Attachment 7) testified as an opponent to the bill. He explained that the demand for services is far too vast for the government and VSO's to handle on their own. This highlights the need for an enhanced system that provides an expanded pathway for accreditation and enhance oversight.
Ray Colas, Veterans Benefit Guide, (Attachment 8) testified as an opponent to the bill. He explained that there are 5.2 million of 19 million eligible veterans receiving benefits. This means there are millions of eligible veterans not receiving benefits that they have earned either because they aren't aware of their eligibility, have already tried to receive benefits and were wrongly denied, or are too intimidated by the process to even apply.
The following people submitted written testimony;
- Connie Jones, United Veteran Benefits Agency LLC (Attachment 9)
- Jeff Joines, Director of Government Affairs (Attachment 10)
- Paul Cockerham, Purple Heart Homes (Attachment 11)
- Shawn Deadwiler, Black Veterans Empowerment Council Inc (Attachment 12)
- Brian Johnson, Vice President, Government & Public Affairs (Attachment 13)
Representative Thompson closed the hearing on HB2213.
