Public Act 102-0386
 
HB3865 EnrolledLRB102 17007 KTG 22429 b


  
    AN ACT concerning veterans.
  
 
    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
 
represented in the General Assembly:
  


 
    Section 5. The Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business 
Practices Act is amended  by adding Section 2WWW as follows:
 
    (815 ILCS 505/2WWW new)
    Sec. 2WWW. Deceptive practices targeting veterans and 
military members.
    (a) As used in this Section:
    "Veteran or military benefits services" means any services 
offered or provided to a veteran, military member, or family 
member who is entitled to receive benefits under federal, 
State, or local law, policy, or practice as a result of, at 
least in part, qualifying military service. Such services 
include assistance in obtaining benefits, increasing benefits, 
or appealing a decision related to obtaining or increasing 
benefits.
    "Veteran's services disclosure" means providing, in upper 
case type in size at least as large as the type size of the 
written communication or by voice-over, the following 
statement: "VETERAN AND MILITARY BENEFITS SERVICES ARE 
AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS, 
THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND FEDERALLY 
CHARTERED VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS. TO LEARN MORE, 
CONTACT THESE ORGANIZATIONS OR THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S 
OFFICE AT 1-800-382-3000.".
    (b) It is an unlawful practice within the meaning of this 
Act for any person providing veteran or military benefits 
services to:
        (1) Fail in any advertising to conspicuously disclose 
    a veteran's services disclosure when veteran or military 
    benefits services are provided in exchange for a benefit 
    or thing of value.
        (2) Fail to obtain, or to obtain a pending application 
    for, all veteran or military benefits services 
    qualifications, certifications, and accreditations 
    required under State or federal law.
        (3) Fail, when acting as a fiduciary for a veteran 
    receiving benefits, to meet the responsibilities of 
    fiduciaries under 38 CFR 13.140.
        (4) Fail, when providing representation before the 
    United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to meet the 
    standards of conduct under 38 CFR 14.632.
        (5) Charge fees or expenses in violation of 38 CFR 
    14.636 or 14.637.