The bill makes it a deceptive trade practice under the Colorado
Consumer Protection Act for a person who consults with, advises, or assists a veteran, in connection with a claim for veterans' benefits (veterans' benefits matter), to:
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Receive compensation in excess of the lesser of $9,000 or 20% of the amount of any past-due benefits the veteran actually receives after the person procures an increase in the veteran's monthly benefits;
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Receive compensation in connection with a claim filed within the one-year period following a veteran's release from active duty;
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Guarantee a successful outcome in a veterans' benefits matter;
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Fail to memorialize the payment terms and certain disclosures in a written, signed contract;
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Omit certain disclosures from advertising or make false representations about accreditation;
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Fail to take various security measures related to veterans' personal information; or
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Provide services in connection with an appeal or review of the veterans administration's initial decision in a veterans' benefits matter.
The bill requires the attorney general or district attorney to transmit any civil penalty collected for a violation of the veterans' benefits matter provisions to the state treasurer for deposit in the Colorado state veterans trust fund.
