Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-850

OTH 850

Veteran Claim Sharks Public Awareness Campaign

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following sections:-  

“SECTION ___. Section 4 of Chapter 93A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the fourth paragraph the following paragraph:-

“The attorney general shall establish and implement a statewide public awareness and consumer education campaign regarding section 18 of Chapter 115 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition. The campaign should include information regarding unfair or deceptive ‘veteran claim-shark' practices, including but not limited to exploitative solicitation, fee‑gouging, and misrepresentation in connection with the preparation, filing, or pursuit of claims for state or federal benefits, settlement funds, or restitution programs. Such campaign shall include multilingual informational material, digital and print out outreach, and coordination with the executive office of veterans’ services, community-based organizations, legal aid providers, veterans’ service officers, the other relevant stakeholders. The attorney general may promulgate regulations necessary to carry out this subsection.”