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CS/HB 821 — Reimbursement of Assessments
by Civil Justice Subcommittee and Rep. Rooney (CS/SB 1692 by Judiciary Committee and Senator Altman)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
This bill prohibits an agent or attorney from requesting or obtaining reimbursement of an assessment imposed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from a veteran claimant.
Under federal law, the VA may impose the assessment on an agent or attorney who represents a claimant seeking veteran’s benefits. This assessment may not exceed the lesser of $100 or 5 percent of the compensation of the attorney or agent. Under the bill, an agent or attorney who requests or obtains reimbursement of the assessment from the claimant commits a second degree misdemeanor.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect October 1, 2016.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 116-0