HB3865 EngrossedLRB102 17007 KTG 22429 b

1    AN ACT concerning veterans.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business
5Practices Act is amended by adding Section 2WWW as follows:
 
6    (815 ILCS 505/2WWW new)
7    Sec. 2WWW. Deceptive practices targeting veterans and
8military members.
9    (a) As used in this Section:
10    "Veteran or military benefits services" means any services
11offered or provided to a veteran, military member, or family
12member who is entitled to receive benefits under federal,
13State, or local law, policy, or practice as a result of, at
14least in part, qualifying military service. Such services
15include assistance in obtaining benefits, increasing benefits,
16or appealing a decision related to obtaining or increasing
17benefits.
18    "Veteran's services disclosure" means providing, in upper
19case type in size at least as large as the type size of the
20written communication or by voice-over, the following
21statement: "VETERAN AND MILITARY BENEFITS SERVICES ARE
22AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS,
23THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND FEDERALLY

 

 

HB3865 Engrossed- 2 -LRB102 17007 KTG 22429 b

1CHARTERED VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS. TO LEARN MORE,
2CONTACT THESE ORGANIZATIONS OR THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S
3OFFICE AT 1-800-382-3000.".
4    (b) It is an unlawful practice within the meaning of this
5Act for any person providing veteran or military benefits
6services to:
7        (1) Fail in any advertising to conspicuously disclose
8    a veteran's services disclosure when veteran or military
9    benefits services are provided in exchange for a benefit
10    or thing of value.
11        (2) Fail to obtain, or to obtain a pending application
12    for, all veteran or military benefits services
13    qualifications, certifications, and accreditations
14    required under State or federal law.
15        (3) Fail, when acting as a fiduciary for a veteran
16    receiving benefits, to meet the responsibilities of
17    fiduciaries under 38 CFR 13.140.
18        (4) Fail, when providing representation before the
19    United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to meet the
20    standards of conduct under 38 CFR 14.632.
21        (5) Charge fees or expenses in violation of 38 CFR
22    14.636 or 14.637.