To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Executive Office
Meeting Date: February 24, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Xuyen Mallela |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Department Contact: |
Darcie Antle |
Phone: |
707-463-4441 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Ratification of Letter of Support for Senate Bill 694 (Archuleta)
End
Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Ratify letter of support for Senate Bill 694 (Archuleta).
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Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
The Board of Supervisors regularly issues support letters that align with the 2026 Legislative Platform.
Summary of Request:
Senate Bill 694 is authored by Senator Bob Archuleta. This measure would strengthen consumer protections for California’s veterans by ensuring that only accredited individuals may charge for services related to filing claims for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
SB 694 builds on the framework of SB 1124 (Menjivar, 2024) and addresses the alarming rise in unaccredited and often predatory actors-commonly known as “claim sharks”-that charge excessive or illegal fees for assisting veterans with benefit claims. These bad actors, who lack VA accreditation and oversight, pose serious risks to vulnerable veterans by promising guaranteed outcomes, pressuring veterans into dubious contracts, and compromising access to sensitive personal data.
SB 694 will prohibit unaccredited individuals from charging for the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of VA benefit claims. The bill will also enhance penalties for unauthorized access to veterans’ data on secure VA systems and codify reasonable fee standards by clarifying under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act that fees exceeding those allowed for VA-accredited representatives are unlawful.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Return to staff for alternative handling
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: n/a
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: n/a |
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current f/y cost: n/a |
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budget clarification: n/a |
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annual recurring cost: n/a |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Approved |
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Date: February 24, 2026 |
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