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4/29/2025
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House approves Chairman Azzinaro’s bill that will protect veterans; rally for legislation to be held tomorrow
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STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel A. Azzinaro that would protect veterans filing for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much, including their bodies and minds, so that we all may live freely and without fear. Yet, there are still those who wish to take advantage of our veterans and to prey upon their needs for help and support. This bill will protect our veterans from these unethical individuals and groups who seek to siphon off our veterans’ hard-earned dollars while they are seeking assistance and help,” said Chairman Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly).
The bill (2025-H 5043) was introduced to provide protection and a cause of action to prevent unethical and improper conduct and collection of fees by a person advising or assisting any veteran filing a claim for disability benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs. It states that no person or organization should receive compensation for preparation, presentation, prosecution, advising, consulting, or assisting any veteran with regard to any veterans’ benefits matter before the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as permitted under Title 38 of the U.S. Code.
The legislation now heads to the Senate for consideration, where Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Walter S. Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton) has introduced the companion bill (2025-S 0071). Chairman Felag’s legislation is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Special Legislation and Veterans’ Affairs Committee on April 30.
There will also be a rally in support of the legislation tomorrow, April 30, at 3 p.m. in the rotunda of the State House. The Rhode Island Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Committee member Matt McCoy, the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn, veterans and supporters of the legislation will be in attendance.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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