1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent and a strong supporter of veterans’ rights to urge you to support the passage of SB693, which would regulate companies that charge veterans for assistance in filing for federal benefits. As you know, many veterans rely on federal benefits to support themselves and their families. Unfortunately, some private companies have taken advantage of veterans by charging excessive fees or making misleading promises regarding benefits claims. SB693 provides critical protections by restricting how much these companies can charge, prohibiting initial fees, and ensuring that veterans are only billed if their benefits actually increase as a result of the company’s assistance. Importantly, SB693 also requires companies to clearly disclose that free resources are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and other federally chartered veterans’ service organizations. This transparency ensures that veterans are fully informed of their options and can make the best decision for their needs. Other key provisions of the bill-such as prohibiting aggressive solicitation, protecting veterans’ personal information, and mandating written agreements-further safeguard our veterans from predatory practices. By making violations subject to the North Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act, SB693 provides meaningful enforcement and deterrence. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country. They deserve support, not exploitation, when seeking the benefits they have earned. I strongly urge you to vote in favor of SB693 to ensure that North Carolina leads the way in protecting those who have served. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.