In a move to clamp down on fraudulent claims of military service, Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman has put forth a bill seeking to bolster the consequences for those impersonating veterans. HB2030, announced yesterday, is designed to tighten the reins on acts of stolen valor, setting stiffer penalties for exploiting veteran status for personal advancement.
According to an official release from the Arizona Legislature, Blackman, who is also a U.S. Army veteran and the Chairman of the House Committee on Government, expressed a robust stance on the issue. "We cannot allow the honorable service and sacrifice of our military men and women to be undermined by deceitful actors," Blackman stated. The bill sets its sights on fraudulent activities such as claiming false military service to secure a job, manipulating elections, or illegally procuring veteran benefits.
The proposed legislation, HB2030, goes beyond the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 by filling gaps in federal law and extending protections within the state’s jurisdiction. Notably, it introduces penalties that range from a Class 4 to Class 2 felony, particularly when these deceptive practices involve substantial benefits, as per the Arizona Legislature news release.
Another facet of the bill mandates the removal of any elected officials who are found guilty under this law, reinforcing the commitment to upholding public integrity. Blackman's recommendations also encompass stricter vetting processes for individuals leveraging veteran status to gain political favor or campaign funding. The strategies implemented by HB2030 use Arizona's position under the 10th Amendment to concentrate on the fraudulent conduct impacting state programs and institutions.
The legislative conversation is slated to gain more depth during a news conference on January 15, taking place at the Capitol Rose Garden. Blackman, alongside companions from legislative and veteran communities, will further unpack the details of the proposed bill. Members of the press are urged to attend, with more information on the legislation's intent and nuances to be shared with the public then, according to the same news release.
