Sacramento, CA – September 10, 2025 – TurboVets proudly recognizes Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.)William Swenson, Medal of Honor recipient, retired U.S. Army officer, and Chief Strategy Officer of TurboVets, for delivering compelling testimony yesterday before the California State Senate in support of Senate Bill 694 (SB694). The legislation aims to protect veterans from predatory "claim shark" companies that exploit regulatory loopholes and charge thousands of dollars for services that accredited representatives provide at no cost.
In his remarks to the committee, Swenson emphasized the urgent need for veteran protection: "For decades, veterans like myself have relied on accredited representatives—County Veteran Service Officers and nationally chartered organizations like the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars—to help file claims with the Department of VeteransAffairs. These services are available to every veteran at no cost. Yet predatory actors exploit loopholes and charge veterans thousands of dollars for help that should be free."
SB 694 would make it a misdemeanor for unaccredited individuals to file or prepare veterans' claims, prohibit unaccredited parties from demanding veterans' private login information, and empower the California AttorneyGeneral to prosecute those who exploit veterans.
"There should never be a treatment of veterans as a revenue stream," Swenson said. "On behalf of my fellow veterans, I urge you to pass SB 694 and send a clear message: California will not tolerate the exploitation of those who wore the uniform."
Swenson's testimony received strong support from committee leaders, who praised both his military service and continued advocacy for veterans. One committee member remarked: "Medal of Honor recipients like yourself are in a different category. What you did in East Kunar Province in 2009 is extraordinary—and equally admirable is your willingness to speak truth to power.We commend you and thank you for being here among us today."
