State Representative Walt Blackman (R-7) celebrated the recent passage of SB1424, the Stolen Valor Act, which now heads to the Governor's desk.
Rep. Blackman's Stolen Valor Act makes knowingly impersonating a military veteran for work, government benefits, or veterans' privileges a crime. The degree of severity depends on how much money the perpetrator obtained through their deception.
Impersonating a veteran without financial benefit is a misdemeanor, while making money from stolen valor is a felony that increases proportionate to the amount of money obtained, including campaign donations.
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However, as the Arizona Capitol Times noted, State Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-3) argued that the portion about political speech could set a precedent for making it illegal to lie on the campaign trail, which renders the point of voting meaningless if every falsehood spoken by politicians were criminalized.
"This has nothing to do with political speech," Rep. Blackman rebutted, "This has to do with blood, sweat, and tears that men and women have left on the battlefield. This has to do with people lying about and making money off it," further clarifying that using stolen valor as a solicitation hook would be illegal.
While Rep. Kolodin ultimately was the only vote against SB1424, State Representative Joseph Chaplik (R-3) also expressed concerns about the bill's political speech section.
"The Stolen Valor Act is about protecting the integrity of service, sacrifice, and the sacred bond between our state and those who've worn the uniform," said Blackman in the press release celebrating the bill's passage, adding, "Today, Arizona draws a clear line: if you falsely claim the honor of military service, there will be consequences."
"I am extremely thankful for everyone who stood with me to get this legislation across the finish line—veteran advocates, legislative colleagues, community leaders, and every constituent who spoke up and demanded action. This victory belongs to every service member and military family of those who has earned their place with honor," The Snowflake Congressman concluded.
