Veterans Unite to End Predatory Fees Targeting Those Who Served
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a major victory for California’s veterans, Gavin Newsom today signed SB 694 into law, strengthening protections against excessive and predatory fees charged to veterans seeking their earned benefits.
Leaders from multiple veteran service organizations stood together at the State Capitol for the bill signing, united in their commitment to protecting veterans from financial exploitation.
The American Legion Department of California was present in solidarity with fellow veteran advocates in strong support of the measure.
David Brambila, State Commander of The American Legion Department of California, Post 742, issued the following statement:
“Today California made it clear — we stand with veterans, not with those who exploit them.
I was honored to stand alongside fellow veteran service organizations as SB 694 was signed into law. In some cases, veterans have been charged up to $30,000 simply for assistance accessing the benefits they earned through service and sacrifice. That is not advocacy. That is exploitation.
This law draws a firm line. It protects veterans from predatory costs, strengthens oversight, and ensures accountability for those who put profit over patriotism. Veterans should never have to sacrifice their financial future to receive the benefits they already earned defending ours.
When veterans are threatened, we unite. Today was proof that California’s veteran community stands together to defend our own.”
SB 694 increases transparency in the benefits assistance process, reinforces consumer protections, and ensures veterans are safeguarded from unreasonable and excessive charges.
The American Legion Department of California represents approximately 62,000 members across more than 400 Posts statewide and remains committed to legislative advocacy that protects veterans, defends accountability, and ensures those who served receive the dignity and respect they earned.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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I understand what they are trying to do with SB 694 as retired service officer. I don’t remember the American Legion taking an official position on this bill, either at the State convention or during a Department Executive Committee meeting. There are too many questions to be answered yet.
Predatory?
I paid $8k to a company (first 4 months, if an increase) that walked me through everything for two years and actually got me benefits after 48 years without. Help from the Legion and VA approved advisors were too complicated and no help at all.
Totally Awesome
Will Non-profits that don’t charge any fees but do ask for voluntary donations be affected negatively by SB694?
As a veteran adovcate and once accreadited vso by VA, not county or state. This bill is miss leading. Yes as non-profit we can ask for donations to assist those veterans. Before anybody represent a veteran they must sign a VA Form 21-22a, which gives “Power of Attorney” to represent that veteran. As a adovcate I see way veterans go this attorneys of you call “Head Hunters”, because they are turn away from these so call veterans service officers and who represent all veterans organization and county and state vso. The reason why they can’t charge you is because they are paid employees from these veterans organization and county and state. Check the website to see how much VSO make with the County and state and veterans organization. In a sense you already paid them thru your taxes. Anybody can represent a veterans if they go by VA Guide Lines. I have represented veterans at the VA Appeals level by face and by video, my last apperance was at VA LA before COVID. Due to COVID everything slowed down. As a non-profit its hard to get donations. Thank You!