Stolen Valor Bill Makes It Illegal To Pretend To Be Military

State Representative Tom Sannicandro joined House lawmakers this week in approving a bill that would criminalize falsely representing oneself as an active member or veteran of the armed forces or as a military award recipient for financial gain, a week before the Nov. 11 Veterans Day holiday .

“These bills ensure that we protect and honor military members and veterans, by safeguarding the integrity of their service and sacrifices, and by upholding the prestigious legacy of military decorations,” said Sannicandro, a Democrat who represenys Framingham.

Civilians often can’t distinguish true military heroes – who makeup approximately 1 percent of the nation’s population – from the frauds, who commit acts of stolen valor to gain access to special services and discounts, or to receive unmerited respect and recognition.

Filed by Rep. John Velis, D-Westfield, the bill would make it a misdemeanor for individuals to pass themselves off as war heroes by wearing military uniforms and regalia, using fake military identification, or falsely claiming military membership for some tangible gain.

If passed, Massachusetts’ law would rank among the toughest in the nation, with offenses punishable by up to one year in prison or a $1,000 fine.

Stolen valor laws have become increasingly prevalent in the aftermath of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In 2006, President George W. Bush signed the Stolen Valor Act, broadening the provisions of an earlier federal law that regulated the unauthorized wear, sale, or manufacture of military medals, and made it a federal misdemeanor to falsely represent oneself as a recipient of a military decoration or medal.

After the law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 on free speech grounds, President Barack Obama signed a new version in 2013, adding an intent for financial gain requirement that changed the subject of the law from expression to fraud.

California, Kentucky, Connecticut, Alabama, Wisconsin, and New Jersey have all enacted similar state laws.

In recent years, the Legislature has passed bills honoring the service of military members by extending their benefits and protections near the Veterans Day holiday.

In addition to the vote on Rep. Velis’ bill, the House also considered a bill filed by Rep. Paul Frost and Senator Michael Moore that would criminalize the theft and unauthorized sale of veterans’ grave markers, and would be punishable by a $5,000 fine.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.