SPRINGFIELD – To protect our nation’s veterans from predatory business practices, State Senator Mike Porfirio championed legislation through the Senate aimed at combating companies who target veterans by offering veteran and military benefit services in exchange for financial compensation.

“Our veterans have sacrificed greatly for our country, and they deserve to be protected from exploitative, predatory practices,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “This bill sends a clear message that we will not tolerate those who seek to take advantage of our veterans and their benefits.”

Some of these predatory practices include guaranteeing an increased disability rating or percentage increase, advertising expedited VA claims decisions, requesting login credentials to access a veteran’s personal information through secure VA websites and more. Senate Bill 3479 aims to combat companies who target veterans in their deceptive business practices by ensuring transparency regarding these businesses’ lack of VA accreditation. To offer better consumer transparency, Porfirio’s legislation would require these entities to disclose that their businesses are neither endorsed by nor affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Through this measure, which is a legislative priority of Veterans of Foreign Wars at both the state and federal level, veterans will be better informed about the services offered to them, reducing the risk of misleading or fraudulent advice. The goal is to protect veterans from these deceptive practices and establish a more secure environment when they are seeking assistance related to their veteran or military benefits.

“This is a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to uphold the dignity and rights of our veterans,” said Porfirio. “By providing veterans with help against these unaccredited companies and ensuring they have access to legitimate, qualified assistance, we are fulfilling our duty to those who have served our country.”   

Senate Bill 3479 heads to the House for further consideration.