Sen. Craven files bill in North Carolina Senate regulating veterans’ benefits compensation

A new bill filed by Sen. Craven seeks to establish rules for payment and disclosures in veterans’ benefits service matters in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina State Senate.

The bill, filed as SB 693 on March 25 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Veteran Access, Liberty, Options for Recovery.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes regulations for compensation related to services concerning veterans’ benefits matters in North Carolina. It prohibits individuals from accepting payment for advising or assisting with initial disability claims related to veterans’ benefits unless allowed by the bill. It also bans compensation for referring individuals for such services and making guarantees about receiving specific veterans’ benefits. The bill requires a written agreement before services are rendered, stipulating no upfront fees and that fees are contingent on a successful outcome, capped at five times the one-month benefits increase. Additionally, explicit disclosures must clarify that services are not affiliated with federal veterans’ organizations and alternative free services may be available. Violations are subject to penalties under the North Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. The act does not apply to licensed attorneys in North Carolina and becomes effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Danny Earl Britt, Jr. proposed the most bills (36) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Craven graduated from the University of North Carolina Charlotte in 2012 with a BA.

Craven, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 29th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Steven Jarvis.