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Gov. Newsom Signs Veterans Protection Bill — Despite Pressure From Civil Rights Groups to Veto 

February 19, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 694, the Veterans Benefit Protection Act, into law on February 11 to shield veterans from unaccredited individuals who charge illegal fees for assistance with VA benefit claims. The legislation, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta, also creates a $20,000 state income tax exclusion for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses while establishing stronger oversight mechanisms against predatory practices. Despite passing both legislative chambers with overwhelming support, the bill faced opposition from civil rights organizations including the NAACP, Urban League, and several veteran advocacy groups who urged a veto.

Who is affected

  • California veterans (estimated 1.6-1.8 million total)
  • Black veterans in California (over 160,000, representing 9% of veteran population)
  • Surviving spouses of eligible veterans
  • Unaccredited claims businesses and operators
  • County Veteran Service Officers (CVSOs)
  • Veterans advocacy groups: Vets Know the Facts, Black Veterans Empowerment Council, Purple Heart Homes, United Veteran Benefits Agency, and Veterans Guardian
  • Civil rights organizations: NAACP and Urban League
  • California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
  • Senator Bob Archuleta
  • Governor Gavin Newsom

What action is being taken

  • California officials are tracking equity issues to ensure all veterans have access to benefits regardless of background
  • County Veteran Service Officers are providing free, federally accredited assistance to veterans statewide
  • The California Department of Veterans Affairs is filing claims on behalf of veterans (filed over 300,000 claims last year totaling $687 million in new and one-time awards)
  • CalVet is processing applications for tuition fee waiver programs (took in 24,000 applications resulting in $175 million for educational programs)

Why it matters

  • This legislation matters because it addresses federal enforcement gaps that have allowed predatory businesses to exploit veterans nationwide by charging illegal and excessive fees for benefits assistance. The law is particularly significant given that California has the nation's largest veteran population and includes substantial racial equity concerns, especially after the Trump Administration eliminated the Veterans Benefits Administration Office of Equity Assurance in March 2025, which had been created to address disparities affecting minority veterans. The state is now taking responsibility for protecting vulnerable veterans from financial exploitation while ensuring equitable access to benefits, though civil rights groups worry the law may create additional barriers for veterans of color seeking assistance.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint