Jan 14 Support for SB 694 (Archuleta): Deceptive Practices: Veterans

January 14^th, 2026

Senator Archuleta                            

1021 O Street, Suite 6620

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE:      SB 694 (Archuleta): Deceptive Practices: Service Members and Veterans, as amended, June 23, 2025 – Support

Dear Senator Archuleta,

Marin County is proud to support your bill, SB 694, which would protect veterans from unaccredited entities that charge veterans for services they should receive for free.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may be eligible for disability compensation. Accessing and qualifying for this compensation often involves complex and challenging claims processes. In California, veterans can get assistance with these claims through several resources intended to help veterans and their families navigate these processes free of cost. In Marin County, our County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), along with other veteran service organizations, provide veterans access to accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who guide veterans through their claims.

In recent years, unaccredited agents, commonly referred to as “claim sharks,” have emerged. These claim sharks are individuals or companies offering unsanctioned assistance with filing initial and subsequent claims, often while charging illegal or excessive fees. Federal law prohibits charging for initial benefit claims and requires that those representing veterans be VA-accredited, such as CVSOs or representatives from nationally chartered Veterans Service Organizations. Given that claim sharks are unaccredited, they are not held to the ethical or professional standards that VA-accredited organizations and officers must follow. This lack of oversight puts veterans at significant risk of exploitation. Veterans who are already vulnerable, including those with limited financial resources, minority veterans, older veterans, and others facing barriers to access, are at even greater risk of being targeted by these predatory actors.

Prohibiting unaccredited entities from charging a veteran for help with an initial benefits claim not only protects veterans, but it also ensures that counties continue to play a crucial role in connecting veterans with benefits and services available to them. 

During the last fiscal year, the Marin County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) served a veteran population of 8,238, including eligible spouses and dependents. The office conducted 750 direct veteran contacts through in-person appointments and electronic communications, generating 1,194 workload units related to claims development, submission, and benefits advocacy.

By working with veterans and their families, counties can ensure that those who have served their country receive the support and assistance they deserve.

Some key outcomes include:

• 118 approved VA healthcare applications, ensuring eligible veterans were connected to critical medical care, treatment services, and ongoing support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 7 veterans were successfully placed into California State Veterans Homes, providing safe, stable, long-term supportive housing for those with significant medical and daily living needs;
• The Marin County Veterans Treatment Court—supported by the Marin County Veterans Service Office—successfully graduated 116 veterans. This program assists participants in reintegrating into the community, reducing recidivism, and achieving long-term stability. In addition, the Marin VA Vet Center provided ongoing counseling, peer support, and mental health services to approximately 45 veterans throughout the fiscal year; and
• The Marin CVSO approved 82 applications under the CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver Program. This program waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees for dependents of qualifying disabled veterans attending California Community Colleges, California State Universities (CSU), and the University of California (UC) systems.

These outcomes reflect the continued, measurable impact of the Marin County Veterans Service Office in securing access to earned benefits, expanding educational opportunity, improving wellness and stability, and protecting long-term quality of life for local veterans and their families.

Marin County continues to be committed to the important work of supporting veterans in our community. For these reasons, Marin County supports SB 694.

Sincerely,

Mary Sackett
President of the Board of Supervisors

cc:       Marin County Board of Supervisors 

Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo
Assemblymember Damon Connolly
State Senator Mike McGuire