Rep. Brennan Introduces V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act To Combat Fraud And Protect Ohio Veterans
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D–Parma) today announced the introduction of House Bill (HB) 961, the Veterans Empowerment Through Ethical Representative and Navigation (V.E.T.E.R.A.N.) Benefits Protection Act, legislation designed to protect Ohio veterans from unaccredited individuals and companies that charge excessive fees and make misleading promises while assisting veterans with benefits claims.
HB 961 was introduced with Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) following months of collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and other veterans’ organizations throughout Ohio.
Under current federal law, individuals and firms providing assistance with veterans’ benefits claims must be accredited through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, Ohio law currently contains no enforcement mechanism or penalties for those who operate without accreditation. As a result, some veterans have been targeted by companies that charge excessive fees, misrepresent their qualifications, or abandon veterans during critical stages of the claims process.
HB 961 closes that loophole by requiring compliance with all federal accreditation requirements and establishing state-level penalties for violations. The legislation would classify noncompliance as an unfair or deceptive act under Ohio’s Consumer Sales Practices Act.
“Our veterans answered the call when our nation needed them. The very least we can do is make sure they are protected from bad actors seeking to profit from their service,” said Rep. Brennan. “Too many veterans have been misled by unaccredited companies charging excessive fees and making promises they cannot keep. This legislation ensures that anyone offering assistance with veterans’ benefits in Ohio is properly trained, accredited, and held accountable. I am proud to work alongside Representative Troy, the VFW, and veterans’ organizations across Ohio to strengthen these protections and help ensure that every veteran receives the benefits they have earned through their sacrifice and service to our country.”
The legislation is modeled after the bipartisan federal GUARD VA Benefits Act and would require all third-party benefits representatives operating in Ohio to maintain VA accreditation, complete ongoing training requirements, comply with federal fee limitations, and refrain from guaranteeing specific benefits outcomes or award amounts.
“Far too often, we’ve seen a proliferation of unscrupulous individuals and entities that take advantage of our vulnerable populations, especially our seniors and veterans. We believe that enactment of this legislation will go a long way in protecting those that served our nation in military service and ensure that they receive the benefits to which they are entitled without being scammed. As a U.S. Army veteran, I am honored to jointly sponsor this measure on behalf of my fellow veterans,” said Rep. Troy.
The bill has also earned strong support from veterans’ organizations. In a letter to members of the Ohio General Assembly, Ohio VFW State Legislative Chairman David Root called HB 961 “an excellent bill” and praised the collaborative effort that produced the legislation.
“It will absolutely offer the protection that the 700,000 veterans living in Ohio need when choosing who should represent them while navigating the highways and byways of the Veterans Administration,” Chairman Root wrote. “With the V.E.T.E.R.A.N. Benefits Protection Act, our veterans will have a qualified—and most importantly, a reputable—representative supporting them.”
HB 961 has been referred to the House Veterans and Military Development Committee and awaits its first hearing.