TN SB0183This bill aims to protect veterans from unfair practices by individuals who provide advice or assistance on veterans' benefits for a fee. It classifies such deceptive actions as unfair trade practices and allows for penalties under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. Essentially, it seeks to ensure that veterans receive honest and fair help with their benefits.
TN SB0183 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Richard Briggs (R), currently “Introduced” since January 15, 2025.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 137 of them sponsored by Richard Briggs.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to safeguard veterans from exploitation by unscrupulous advisors. By enforcing strict penalties on deceptive practices, the legislation will ensure that veterans can trust the guidance they receive regarding their benefits, ultimately improving their access to essential services.
Critics may argue that the bill could inadvertently limit access to assistance for veterans who may benefit from paid consultations. They might express concern that the broad definition of unfair practices could stifle legitimate advisory services, making it harder for veterans to find help in navigating complex benefits issues.
The analysis of SB0183, which addresses unfair or deceptive practices in advising on veterans' benefits, reveals no direct conflicts of interest between the sponsor, Richard Briggs, and the bill's subject matter. While Briggs has multiple affiliations within the healthcare and government sectors, none of these interests directly relate to the regulation of veterans' benefits consulting. His role as a cardiothoracic surgeon and his positions with various organizations do not intersect with the consumer protection aspects of the bill, which aims to regulate compensation for advising veterans on benefits. Therefore, the potential for personal financial gain from this legislation appears minimal.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Cardiothoracic Surgeon | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | University of Tennessee Medical Center | Education | TN Legislature bio |
| Board Member | Board of Directors, American Heart Association | — | AI-researched |
| Employer | DFAS US ARMY RETIREMENT | Government | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | PNC WEALTH MGMT | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | SOCIAL SECURITY | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | STATE OF TN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | Government | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | VETERAN | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE | Real Estate | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | TRUIST BANK; TVA CREDIT UNION; COMMERCIAL PROPERTY RENTAL | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | Leadership PAC: BRIGGSPAC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN SB0183 do?
This bill aims to protect veterans from unfair practices by individuals who provide advice or assistance on veterans' benefits for a fee. It classifies such deceptive actions as unfair trade practices and allows for penalties under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. Essentially, it seeks to ensure that veterans receive honest and fair help with their benefits.
What is the status of TN SB0183?
TN SB0183 is currently “Introduced” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN SB0183?
Richard Briggs (R) sponsored TN SB0183.
