Deceptive practices: service members and veterans.

Senator Archuleta's legislation expands California's consumer protection framework to combat deceptive practices targeting veterans and service members, particularly regarding benefits claims and financial services. The bill modifies both the Civil Code and Military and Veterans Code to establish new safeguards against predatory conduct.

The legislation prohibits charging excessive fees for veterans' benefits assistance by limiting charges to amounts authorized for VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents. It also bars individuals from accessing service members' military credentials or requiring them to log into Department of Defense, Veterans Affairs, or Homeland Security computer systems during business transactions.

To prevent misleading marketing, the bill requires specific disclaimers in advertisements for veterans' benefits events, including statements about the advertiser's authority to file benefits claims. These notices must appear in the same size font as any use of the term "veteran" and be provided both orally and in writing at such events.

The measure adds protections against predatory debt collection by prohibiting collectors from falsely claiming military affiliations or contacting a service member's chain of command without written consent regarding debts. It also voids any attempt to condition military discounts on waiving legal rights. Violations constitute misdemeanors punishable by up to one year imprisonment, fines up to $1,000, or both.