AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN VETERAN EMPOWERMENT ACT

HB 5419, the "Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act" (SAVE Act), regulates businesses that charge fees for helping veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Rhode Island Veterans Services. It prohibits referral fees, requires written agreements for contingent fees (capped at five times the monthly benefit increase), and mandates clear disclosures that services are not affiliated with the VA or state veterans offices. The law also bans using veterans' login credentials, restricts international data centers for personal information, and requires background checks for staff handling sensitive data. It directly affects non-VA-accredited businesses offering paid assistance with veterans' benefits claims, while exempting VA-accredited agents. Violations may result in civil penalties deposited into Rhode Island’s military family relief fund.