SACRAMENTO, CA — Veterans across California scored an important legislative win this week as Senate Bill 694 – The Veteran Benefits Protection Act, passed out of the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and was referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee for a crucial vote scheduled on Tuesday, July 8.
CAL EANGUS President and California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC) Legislative Director Josh J. Baker, was invited to testify in support of the bill alongside David West, Veterans Service Officer for Nevada County and President of the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The two advocates spent the following two days at the State Capitol, meeting with legislative staff and elected officials to raise awareness about the predatory practices of unaccredited, for-profit companies that target veterans seeking to file claims for VA benefits.
“This bill is about protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from being exploited by companies that are charging thousands for something veterans can get for free from accredited sources,” Josh J. Baker said. “We’ve seen these companies directly impact members of the National Guard—especially those transitioning on and off Title 10 orders—at some of the most uncertain times in their careers.”
SB 694, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta, seeks to crack down on these so-called “claim sharks”—companies operating outside the law that profit by charging illegal or excessive fees to help veterans with initial VA benefits claims. These services are legally required to be free when provided by VA-accredited officers, such as County Veteran Service Officers or nationally chartered Veterans Service Organizations like the VFW, DAV, or American Legion.
The bill would restore state-level enforcement by making it illegal for unaccredited individuals or entities to charge for these services, aligning California with federal VA regulations.
📢 A Critical Call to Action for CAL EANGUS Members
The Assembly Judiciary Committee is set to vote on SB 694 on Tuesday, July 8—and veteran advocates are urging CAL EANGUS members and supporters to take immediate action.
➡️ Assembly Judiciary Committee Contact Page:
🔗 https://ajud.assembly.ca.gov/members
➡️ Submit a letter of support to the committee:
📄 https://caleangus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2025/07/SB-694_Individual_Veteran_Support_Letter_Archuleta.docx
📞 What to Say When You Call:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a veteran (or supporter of veterans) from [Your City]. I’m calling to urge Assemblymember [Name] to support SB 694.
This bill protects veterans from unaccredited companies that charge illegal fees for assistance with VA benefits. California should be standing with veterans, not with predatory businesses. Please vote YES on SB 694.”
Constituents who live in a district represented on the Judiciary Committee are especially encouraged to call. A quick district guide is available for CAL EANGUS members to confirm whether their representative is on the committee. https://caleangus.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2025/07/Assembly-Judiciary-Committee-contact-list-.pdf
🤝 How to Get Involved
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💬 Join the CAL EANGUS Legislative Action Discord to collaborate with other veterans:
https://discord.gg/HY45dyfRyn -
🏛️ Show up in person to the hearing:
📍 Tuesday, July 8 at 9:00 AM
📍 California State Capitol, Assembly Judiciary Committee Hearing Room
🧭 Protecting Veterans, Ending Exploitation
For-profit companies that pose as claim assistance providers continue to drain financial resources from veterans who have earned their benefits. Many veterans, including those in the National Guard who shift between federal and state activation, are particularly susceptible to misleading offers, hidden fees, and aggressive sales tactics.
By passing SB 694, California has the opportunity to lead the nation in closing a dangerous loophole and ensuring only trained, accredited professionals help veterans access the benefits they deserve.
CAL EANGUS urges all members to act before July 8. Together, we can make clear that veterans’ benefits are not for sale—and that California stands with those who served.
