All Roll Calls
Yes: 146 • No: 0
South CarolinaS 0695126th General Assembly (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS SO AS TO ENACT THE "SOUTH CAROLINA SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN VETERANS' BENEFITS ACT"; AND BY ADDING ARTICLE 8 TO CHAPTER 11, TITLE 25, SO AS TO PROVIDE DEFINITIONS, SET GUIDELINES AND LIMITS FOR COMPENSATION, MEMORIALIZE TERMS, AND STATE PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE.
Sponsored By: Tom Young, Jr. (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Summary
Unauthorized Fees for Claim Assistance
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tight limits on paid veterans’ claim help
South Carolina sets strict rules on paid help with veterans’ benefits. No one can charge to prepare, advise on, present, or prosecute a claim unless federal law allows it. No upfront or nonrefundable fees are allowed. Any fee must be in writing, depend on a benefit increase, and be the smaller of five times the monthly increase or $12,500. Installments must be interest‑free and end within 12 months. No one may get paid just for referring you. Within one year after you leave active duty, no fees are allowed unless you sign a waiver saying you decline free help. Exemptions apply to accredited VA representatives or attorneys, certain licensed attorneys (including those resolving VA medical‑care liens or in a compliant joint contract), and employees of South Carolina Veterans’ Homes. Effective May 19, 2026.
Clear disclosures and data safety for veterans
Paid providers must give a written disclosure at the start saying they are not part of the VA or the state veterans’ department and that free help may be available. It must be in at least 12‑point type, you must sign it, and they must keep a copy during service and for one year after. Providers cannot promise you will get specific benefits or a certain rating. They cannot use your personal logins or hire a medical provider to do a medical exam. Anyone who can see your medical or financial data must pass identity and criminal background checks first. Effective May 19, 2026.
Penalties for abusing veterans seeking benefits
Breaking these rules is a misdemeanor. Courts can fine up to $1,000 and/or jail up to 30 days for each case. Veterans who lose money can sue under the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Attorney General can get injunctions without posting a bond, and each day of violation counts separately. Courts can award the State its reasonable costs and attorney’s fees. Civil penalties go to the Veterans’ Trust Fund. Effective May 19, 2026.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Tom Young, Jr.
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Tameika Isaac Devine
Democrat • Senate
Jeffrey R. Graham
Democrat • Senate
Ed Sutton
Democrat • Senate
Overture Walker
Democrat • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 5/7/2026
(Unauthorized Fees for Claim Assistance)Passage of Bill
Yes: 100 • No: 0
Senate vote • 2/5/2026
(Unauthorized Fees for Claim Assistance)2nd Reading
Yes: 46 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Effective date 05/19/26
6/5/2026legislatureAct No. 211
6/2/2026legislatureSigned By Governor
5/19/2026GovernorRatified R 146
5/14/2026legislatureConcurred in House amendment and enrolled
5/13/2026SenateScrivener's error corrected
5/8/2026legislatureRead third time and returned to Senate with amendments
5/8/2026HouseUnanimous consent for third reading on next legislative day
5/7/2026HouseRoll call Yeas-100 Nays-0
5/7/2026HouseRead second time
5/7/2026HouseAmended
5/7/2026HouseScrivener's error corrected
5/6/2026legislatureCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
5/5/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs
2/11/2026HouseIntroduced and read first time
2/11/2026HouseRead third time and sent to House
2/10/2026SenateRoll call Ayes-46 Nays-0
2/5/2026SenateRead second time
2/5/2026SenateAmended
2/5/2026SenateCommittee Amendment Adopted
2/5/2026SenateCommittee report: Favorable with amendment Family and Veterans' Services
1/29/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services
1/13/2026SenateIntroduced and read first time
1/13/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Family and Veterans' Services
12/10/2025SenatePrefiled
12/10/2025Senate
Bill Text
Introduced
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