HomeMy WebLinkAboutSB 694 (Archuleta) - City of SLO - Letter of SUPPORTCity of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114,
slocity.org
January 26, 2026
The Honorable Bob Archuleta
California State Senate
1021 O Street, Suite 7420
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Support for SB 694 (Archuleta) – Veterans Benefits Protection Act of 2025
Dear Senator Archuleta,
On behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo, I write to express my strong support for Senate Bill
694, the Veterans Benefits Protection Act of 2025.
As publicly elected members, we are committed to protecting the well-being of our
residents, including the many veterans and military families who live, work, and contribute
to our community. Ensuring that veterans have fair, transparent, and lawful access to the
benefits they have earned through service is a critical responsibility shared by all levels of
government.
Cities across California have seen firsthand how veterans can be targeted by predatory and
unaccredited actors who charge unlawful fees, misuse sensitive personal information, or
misrepresent their authority to assist with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits
claims. These practices place unnecessary financial strain on veterans and their families and
can delay or jeopardize access to essential services such as healthcare, housing, and income
support.
SB 694 provides important consumer protections by:
• Prohibiting unaccredited individuals from charging fees for VA benefits claims
assistance;
• Strengthening safeguards against unauthorized access to veterans’ confidential data;
and
• Reinforcing fair and transparent fee standards under California law.
These provisions will help ensure that veterans—who may be seeking assistance through
unfamiliar or informal channels—receive qualified, ethical, and accountable support when
navigating the VA benefits system.
I commend your leadership on this important issue and respectfully urge the Legislature to
support SB 694.
Sincerely,
Erica A. Stewart
Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo
CC: Senator John Laird
Assemblymember Dawn Addis
Assemblymember Patty Patten
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo
Congressman Salud Carbajal
League of California Cities, cityletters@cacities.org