House passes bill and concurrent resolution to shield veterans from questionable claims‑service practices
February 13, 2026 | 2026 Legislature KY, Kentucky
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The Kentucky House on Feb. 12 approved legislation (House Bill 508) aimed at protecting veterans who use private companies to pursue disability and other VA benefits, and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 44 urging Congress to create an accreditation pathway through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
HB 508, described on the floor as consumer protection for veterans, requires that veterans be given clear disclosures in 12‑point font on the front page of any agreement and that the disclosure be presented orally and in writing. The bill bans certain practices the sponsor termed exploitative — including use of international call centers and direct access to veterans' personal information — and limits initial or refundable fees. Floor remarks set a fee cap at "5 times the 1‑month increase in benefits with a cap of $12,500," and the bill adds an annual reporting requirement to the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs for any person who received compensation for assisting with claims. Attorneys and law firms were explicitly excluded from the bill's coverage, per the sponsor.
Sponsor remarks emphasized the goal of shutting down bad actors while preserving services offered by legitimate veteran service organizations (VSOs) and volunteers. Several members, including those who recounted personal or constituent experiences, explained their yes votes on emotional and practical grounds; members also raised concerns about reduced VA staffing and potential federal processing delays.
The House recorded the roll call for HB 508 as "93 members voting aye, no members voting nay," and declared the bill passed. The House also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 44, asking Congress to create an accreditation pathway for private companies that assist veterans; the sponsor said the resolution would allow Kentucky to adopt a trigger law if Congress establishes a federal accreditation pathway.
Next steps: HB 508 proceeds to the Senate; HCR 44 will be transmitted to Congress and the Kentucky delegation.
HB 508, described on the floor as consumer protection for veterans, requires that veterans be given clear disclosures in 12‑point font on the front page of any agreement and that the disclosure be presented orally and in writing. The bill bans certain practices the sponsor termed exploitative — including use of international call centers and direct access to veterans' personal information — and limits initial or refundable fees. Floor remarks set a fee cap at "5 times the 1‑month increase in benefits with a cap of $12,500," and the bill adds an annual reporting requirement to the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs for any person who received compensation for assisting with claims. Attorneys and law firms were explicitly excluded from the bill's coverage, per the sponsor.
Sponsor remarks emphasized the goal of shutting down bad actors while preserving services offered by legitimate veteran service organizations (VSOs) and volunteers. Several members, including those who recounted personal or constituent experiences, explained their yes votes on emotional and practical grounds; members also raised concerns about reduced VA staffing and potential federal processing delays.
The House recorded the roll call for HB 508 as "93 members voting aye, no members voting nay," and declared the bill passed. The House also adopted House Concurrent Resolution 44, asking Congress to create an accreditation pathway for private companies that assist veterans; the sponsor said the resolution would allow Kentucky to adopt a trigger law if Congress establishes a federal accreditation pathway.
Next steps: HB 508 proceeds to the Senate; HCR 44 will be transmitted to Congress and the Kentucky delegation.
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