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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The SAVE Act (Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act), sponsored by Rep. Jerome Moon (R- Maryville -District 8) and Sen. Richard Briggs (R- Knoxville- District 7) has been placed on the Senate State and Local Government Committee calendar for Tuesday, 2/25.
The Act, HB0342/SB0362, 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 these limitations include:
– “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.”
Other provisions include the use of a disclaimer statement and more specific operations rules to protect personal or sensitive information for businesses that assist or consult on veteran benefit matters.
A violation of these provisions would constitute an “unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce” and would be subject to the penalties and remedies established by the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 and the additional consequences outlined in 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.
To contact the Senate State and Local Government Committee with your thoughts, see the information below:
Sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov, sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov, sen.tom.hatcher@capitol.tn.gov, sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov, sen.ed.jackson@capitol.tn.gov, sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov, sen.adam.lowe@capitol.tn.gov, sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov, sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
