Schiavo co-authors veterans bill signed into law

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, announced that the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act (Senate Bill 694) was signed into law, strengthening California’s protections for veterans and service members seeking the benefits they have earned, according to a news release from Schiavo’s office. 

The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act was authored by Sen. Bob Archuleta, D-Pico Rivera, and co-authored by Schiavo. 

SB 694 stops illegal, deceptive and predatory practices by unaccredited companies who exploit veterans, Schiavo’s release said. These VA benefit claim sharks sometimes charge veterans as much as $20,000 for services that they can instead access for free from County Veteran Service Officers and other federally accredited organizations, the release said.  

“As chair of the Military and Veterans Committee and the daughter of a disabled veteran, alongside so many, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks,” Schiavo said in the release. “Veterans who earned their benefits through service and great sacrifice, deserve every penny. With the governor’s signature of SB 694, we are making it clear that we will always protect our veterans and hold predators accountable.” 

The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act brings California law into alignment with federal law and accreditation standards and strengthens enforcement tools to protect veterans from financial harm, the release said. It establishes guardrails to prevent illegal fees and financial exploitation by requiring individuals who assist with veterans’ benefits claims to meet federal accreditation standards. It also creates privacy protections by restricting the misuse and sharing of veterans’ private data.  

“Veterans served this nation with honor and sacrifice, and they have earned every benefit their country owes them,” Archuleta, who chairs the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, said in the release. “This legislation ensures veterans are protected from individuals who prey on their trust, their service, and their need for help. This law reinforces California’s commitment to honoring veterans with real, meaningful protections.” 

The bill takes effect on Jan. 1, 2027. 

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