HARRISBURG, April 15, 2015 — To protect the benefits and reputations of soldiers who earned it, the Pennsylvania Senate today approved Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams’ “stolen valor” bill today and sent it to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 43 would create the “Pennsylvania Stolen Valor Act” and penalize someone who falsely represents themselves as having received a medal or decoration authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces of the United States.
“Throughout the United States, we have watched as men and women walk around professing to be the heroes they are not,” Sen. Williams said. “Not only are the people who do this lying, they are hurting soldiers and veterans who risked it all to protect our freedoms.
“We must make sure that Pennsylvania protects real soldiers and veterans, which is why I am hopeful that the House will follow the Senate’s action today and send this bill to Gov. Wolf.”
For someone to be guilty of violating the proposed law, he or she must have the intent to use their false representations to commit fraud, obtain employment or be appointed to public office.
A person who violates the measure would be guilty of committing a third-degree misdemeanor.
Enhanced penalties would be available if a person falsely wears a Congressional Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star or Purple Heart.
The Senate approved SB 43 by a 49 to 0 vote.
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