A growing number of unaccredited individuals and companies are illegally charging veterans for help with their initial VA claims—violating federal law and preying on those who have sacrificed the most. These so-called “claim sharks” often operate without proper accreditation, using deceptive practices and hidden fees that leave veterans financially exploited and legally unprotected.
SB 694 (Archuleta) offers California a powerful tool to combat this exploitation. The bill enforces federal accreditation standards, empowers the state to hold violators accountable, and provides meaningful protections for veterans seeking help with their benefits. SB 694 mirrors last year’s SB 1124, which fell just short of passage. Unfortunately, history is on the verge of repeating itself—SB 694 is currently stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
If we don’t act now, this vital legislation could die in committee, just like its predecessor. That would force us to start over in the next legislative session—delaying justice and allowing predatory practices to continue unchecked for another year.
Why SB 694 Matters
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It protects veterans from unlawful fees and deceptive services.
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It enforces federal standards by penalizing unaccredited actors.
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It ensures only trained and authorized individuals assist with VA claims.
The VA accreditation system is designed to safeguard veterans from fraud. When unaccredited businesses bypass these protections and charge for initial claim support, they break federal law and put veterans at risk. SB 694 would give California the power to enforce these standards and close the loopholes claim sharks exploit.
What You Can Do
We need your help to push SB 694 to the Assembly Floor. Here’s how you can get involved:
✅ Download and Share the Explainer
Help educate others about how claim sharks are violating the law and why this bill is critical. The attached explainer outlines the issue in clear, accessible terms.
📝 Send a Support Letter
Use the attached support letter template or personalize your own. Email or mail it to members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Every letter counts.
📞 Call Committee Members
Personal outreach works. Contact committee members directly—especially if they represent your county—and urge them to move SB 694 forward. We’ve included their contact information for easy access.
📣 Amplify Locally
Legislators are currently in their districts. Now is the perfect time to increase pressure through local outreach. Encourage your community, fellow veterans, and organizational partners to reach out and make their voices heard.
Target Counties with Committee Members:
Alameda • Contra Costa • Calaveras • Fresno • Inyo • Los Angeles • Madera • Mariposa
Mono • Riverside • Santa Barbara • Santa Clara • Santa Cruz • San Luis Obispo • Tuolumne
Spread the Word
Please share this information widely with your networks, veteran service organizations, advocacy groups, and community leaders. We need a unified and urgent push to move SB 694 forward. Our veterans deserve better than to be misled, overcharged, or manipulated when they seek the benefits they’ve earned through service.
We have the facts. We have the momentum. Now we need the action.
Let’s protect our veterans. Let’s pass SB 694.
