Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act (SAVE Act) was passed unanimously by the Senate State and Local Government Committee on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 0362 (SB0362), sponsored by State Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville-District 7), seeks to protect veterans from certain deceptive practices under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, primarily by outlining restrictions for compensation received for those advising or assisting veterans with benefit matters.
Some examples of the safeguards include the following:
– “A person shall not receive compensation for referring an individual to a person to advise or assist the individual with a veteran benefit matter.”
– “A person shall not receive compensation for a service rendered in connection with a claim filed within the one (1) year of a veteran’s presumptive period of active-duty release, unless the veteran acknowledges by signing a waiver that the veteran is within such period and choosing to deny free services that are available to the veteran.”
– “A person shall not guarantee, either directly or by implication, a successful outcome or that an individual is certain to receive specific veteran benefits or a specific level, percentage, or amount of veteran benefits.”
Any violation of the provisions of the act would be considered an “unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce” and would be subject to penalty as defined by the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 and enhanced by the SAVE Act.
Each day a violation continues would be considered a separate violation and any funds collected from penalties would be paid to the general fund of the state.
Critics have warned that the SAVE Act actually would do the opposite of its stated intention and negatively impact Tennessee veterans.
SB0362 has been referred to the Senate Calendar Committee to be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor.
The companion House Bill 0342 (HB0342), sponsored by State Representative Jerome Moon (R-Maryville-District 8), was assigned to the House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on February 3 but has yet to make any additional progress.
