Military and Veterans Affairs

HB 1423, also known as the "Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act," prohibits individuals and entities from receiving compensation for helping veterans with their benefits claims. Specifically, it disallows payment for preparing, presenting, or advising on veterans' benefits matters, unless such compensation is explicitly authorized by federal law (Title 38 U.S.C. § 5904 and 38 C.F.R. § 14.629). The bill also prohibits receiving compensation for referring individuals to these services. Any person receiving authorized compensation must adhere to the same ethical standards as attorneys under Arkansas's Rules of Professional Conduct. Violations of this act are deemed a deceptive trade practice and a Class A misdemeanor.

HB 1077 requires Arkansas correctional facilities to verify the veteran status of incarcerated individuals within 14 days using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data. If a veteran is incarcerated for six months or more, facilities must notify the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs within 45 days of admission and again upon release. The bill also mandates that facilities provide incarcerated veterans with access to apply for VA benefits or veterans treatment court programs. This law directly affects veterans in state or local correctional facilities and the facilities themselves, creating a formal notification process to connect veterans with available support services.

HB 1498 amends the law governing military-type canteens and exchanges to restrict their merchandise offerings. The bill specifically prohibits these establishments from selling automobiles, household appliances, furniture, building products, motorcycles, or bicycles. This change directly affects military canteens and exchanges operating under the current law, limiting their product range. The bill was enacted as Act 507 on April 10, 2025.

HB 1400 (now Act 259) exempts disabled veterans from certain penalties when redeeming tax-delinquent property. Specifically, it removes late fees and interest charges that typically apply when owners pay overdue property taxes to reclaim a parcel. This change directly affects disabled veterans who own property with unpaid taxes, making it easier for them to regain ownership without extra costs. The law amends existing redemption procedures to explicitly exclude disabled veterans from penalty calculations. The bill was enacted on March 12, 2025, after passing both chambers of the legislature.