CAL EANGUS is proud to join a broad coalition of veteran service providers, community organizations, labor groups, and advocates in support of Senate Bill 694 (Archuleta), the Veterans Benefits Protection Act of 2025. This critical legislation will safeguard veterans from exploitation by strengthening consumer protections and ensuring that only VA-accredited representatives can charge for services related to filing claims for earned benefits.
Over the last several years, so-called “claim sharks” have emerged across the country, preying on veterans by charging excessive or illegal fees, pressuring them into contracts, and even mishandling sensitive personal data. These unaccredited actors not only endanger the financial well-being of our veterans, but also threaten to undermine the trust and integrity of the VA benefits system.
SB 694 addresses these risks by:
-
Prohibiting unaccredited individuals from charging fees for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting VA benefit claims.
-
Enhancing penalties for unauthorized access to veterans’ data on secure VA systems.
-
Clarifying fee standards under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act to ensure veterans are never overcharged.
By reinforcing federal accreditation standards and codifying fair practices, this bill ensures veterans receive the qualified, ethical, and transparent representation they deserve.
As your State Association, CAL EANGUS is committed to standing with our veterans and their families—not just in California, but nationwide. We will continue to advocate for legislation like SB 694 that protects the benefits our veterans earned through service and sacrifice.
You will find our official coalition support letter to Senator Bob Archuleta included alongside this article. We encourage all members and supporters to stay engaged, share this message, and help spread awareness about the importance of SB 694. Together, we can stop “claim sharks” and strengthen protections for every veteran.
