NAACP Urges Newsom to Veto Veterans Benefit Bill

Civil rights group says SB 694 could deepen racial inequities and limit access to critical assistance for Black veterans and other marginalized groups.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The NAACP California Hawaii State Conference is calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to veto a bill (SB 694) that aims to curb predatory practices against veterans seeking federal benefits. The organization argues the bill could deepen racial disparities in veterans' benefits access and limit options for veterans, especially those from historically marginalized groups.

Why it matters

Access to earned veterans benefits is a civil rights issue, as studies have shown Black veterans are more likely to receive lower disability ratings and face longer delays in benefits processing, contributing to higher rates of housing instability, unemployment, and unmet health needs. The NAACP believes SB 694 could worsen these outcomes by removing paid assistance options many veterans rely on when free services are unavailable or overstretched.

The details

SB 694, authored by Sen. Bob Archuleta, would reinforce a federal ban on charging veterans for assistance with initial disability claims unless the provider is federally accredited. It also tightens penalties related to unauthorized access to veterans' personal information and restricts fees for claims assistance. Supporters say the legislation is long-overdue consumer protection, but critics argue it goes too far and eliminates lawful options without addressing systemic barriers in the veterans' benefits system.

  • As early as this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom could act on California Senate Bill (SB) 694.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who is weighing whether to sign or veto SB 694.

Bob Archuleta

A California state senator who authored SB 694, which aims to curb predatory practices against veterans seeking federal benefits.

NAACP California Hawaii State Conference

A civil rights organization that is urging Governor Newsom to veto SB 694, arguing it could deepen racial inequities and limit access to critical assistance for Black veterans and other historically marginalized groups.

LaShae Sharp Collins

A California Assemblymember who is advancing a bipartisan alternative proposal that the NAACP says would preserve veteran choice while establishing clear guardrails, transparency requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.

Jeff Gonzalez

A California Assemblymember who is advancing a bipartisan alternative proposal with Assemblymember Collins that the NAACP says would preserve veteran choice while establishing clear guardrails, transparency requirements, and enforcement mechanisms.

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What they’re saying

“Since 2006, we have seen an explosion of a new industry of businesses that charge veterans for assistance with benefits and claims without being accredited or licensed or overseen in any way, shape, or form. It is the lack of institutional oversight over these for-profit companies that is the crux of the problem that this bill seeks to address.”

— Bob Archuleta, California State Senator (lafocusnews.com)

“This is not about choice. This is about stripping away federal protections for veterans so that for-profit companies can exploit them.”

— David West, President of the California Association of Veteran Service Agencies (lafocusnews.com)

What’s next

Governor Newsom is expected to decide whether to sign or veto SB 694 as early as this week.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the complex challenges facing veterans, especially those from marginalized communities, in navigating the benefits system. While protecting veterans from exploitation is important, the NAACP argues that SB 694 could inadvertently limit access to critical assistance for many who need it most, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive, equitable approach.