Indiana · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 231: Assistance in obtaining veterans' benefits.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 231 is a bill introduced in the Indiana Senate on January 8, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Assistance in obtaining veterans' benefits. Primary sponsor: Jim Tomes (Republican). Most recent recorded action (January 8, 2026): First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Provides that a person may not receive compensation for: (1) the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of; or (2) advising, consulting, or assisting an individual regarding; a veterans' benefits matter, except as permitted under federal law. Provides that a person may not receive compensation for referring an individual to another person to provide services related to veterans' benefits matters. Provides that a person may not receive excessive or unreasonable fees for services related to veterans' benefits matters. Provides that a person may not condition the repayment of fees: (1) upon the opening of a joint account with the recipient of veterans' benefits from which the person may make withdrawals; (2) upon the use of electronic funds transfers; or (3) by requiring an individual to act, in any manner, in violation of federal requirements relating to preauthorized transactions. Provides that a person may not collect, or attempt to collect, any fee for services rendered after receipt of benefits by a veteran or any other individual eligible for the benefits, if the person participated in the veterans' benefits matter prior to the issuance of veterans' benefits, and if the transaction was structured with an intent to avoid prohibited acts. Provides that a person seeking to receive compensation for services related to veterans' benefits matters must, before rendering any services, enter into a written agreement that is signed by both parties and that complies with federal regulations, including all terms regarding the payment of fees for services rendered. Requires a person to provide certain disclosures when entering into a business relationship with an individual or advertising for compensation services. Provides that a violation constitutes a deceptive act under the law concerning deceptive consumer sales and senior consumer protection provisions.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Tomes | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 49 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- First reading: referred to Committee on Veterans Affairs and The Military
- Authored by Senator Tomes