California’s Senate Bill (SB) 694 — written to protect veterans and service members from predatory practices — is expected to receive a full vote by the Senate when the legislative session reconvenes in January 2026, according to the bill’s author, Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-Los Angeles).

The bill’s language prohibits “Claim Sharks,” referring to some unaccredited individuals and nonprofits, from charging for Veteran Affairs (VA) benefit claims assistance and from charging fees that exceed what VA-accredited professionals are allowed to charge.

“We have reached an agreement on SB 694, and the bill will immediately move to the Senate Floor in January. Veterans have earned and deserve our support,” stated Archuleta, an Army veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne Division.

“They have sacrifice

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