Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3840

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Fraudulent representation of an accredited veterans service officer, accredited agent or attorney

Impact

If enacted, H3840 would create new legal consequences for individuals who engage in fraudulent behavior in relation to veterans’ benefits. This includes imposing fines for violations and requiring any prosecuted individual to be reported to the Office of General Counsel for the Veterans Administration. Such measures could strengthen safeguards for veterans and potentially deter fraudsters from exploiting vulnerable populations seeking benefits, thereby enhancing the overall integrity of the claims process for veterans.

Summary

House Bill H3840, presented by Representative Colleen M. Garry, addresses the issue of fraudulent representation in the context of veterans' benefits. The bill makes it a criminal offense for an individual to falsely claim to be an accredited Veterans Service Officer, Claims Agent, or Attorney in order to assist claimants with their benefits before the Veterans Administration. This legislation aims to protect veterans from exploitation by ensuring that only properly accredited individuals can provide assistance in the claims process. The bill includes provisions that clearly define unacceptable practices such as charging fees for consulting services without proper accreditation or soliciting applicants for veterans' benefits under deceptive pretenses.

Contention

Debate around H3840 is expected, particularly regarding the definitions of fraudulent practices and the delineation of responsibilities for accredited veterans service officers. Advocates for the bill argue that it is crucial for the protection of veterans, who may lack the knowledge or resources to differentiate between accredited and unaccredited agents. However, some may raise concerns over the enforcement of such legislation, including the allocation of resources for monitoring compliance and the potential for overly stringent regulations that could hinder access to legitimate assistance for veterans navigating an already complex system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA HB3134

Higher education; Keep Accreditation About Academics Act; accrediting agencies; civil action; Attorney General; effective date.

MA SB744

Accrediting agencies.

MA A08476

Protects veterans from fraud and unaccredited representatives; institutes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violation; establishes the class A misdemeanor crime of unaccredited representation of a veteran; establishes a veterans' services fund.

MA S08150

Protects veterans from fraud and unaccredited representatives; institutes a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for violation; establishes the class A misdemeanor crime of unaccredited representation of a veteran; establishes a veterans' services fund.

MA H1614

Relative to stop fraudulent representation of business against performers

MA HB2299

Senate Substitute for Substitute for HB2299 by Committee on Education - Providing that certain statutory references to accredited nonpublic schools mean nonpublic schools accredited by the state board of education, requiring that schools accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency shall have the same rights as schools accredited by the state board, requiring school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day and prohibiting employees of a school district from using social media to communicate with students for official school purposes.

MA SB51

Creates the crime of fraudulent representation of military service or awards. (8/1/26)

MA HF1855

Veterans benefit services federal accreditation required, service providers guarantees of benefits prohibited, and remedies and civil penalties provided.

MA SB53

Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation

MA HB3

Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation; revise composition of to ensure adequate representation.

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