‘Stolen valor’ measure gets full support from the Senate

The Senate unanimously approved a bill that criminalizes anyone in the state who falsely uses or exploits military insignias, medals or uniforms.

Port Orange Republican Sen. Tom Wright sponsored the “stolen valor” bill (SB 402). The intent of the measure is to consolidate all military branches into one single classification as a “military uniform.”

A Senate staff background report said the measure ensures that all branches of armed forces are listed in each provision of statutes. A person could already be charged with a third-degree felony if found guilty of committing “stolen valor.”

As the proposed measure worked its way through the Senate committee process before going to the floor, Wright had said the instances of “stolen valor” have been increasing in Florida in recent years.

Wright even recounted incidents in the area around Port Orange where he had business owners complain to him where people falsely dressed up as military veterans in order to conduct bogus charitable fundraisers. Wright said some store managers have chased the fake veterans off business grounds on several occasions.

Ultimately, Wright said serving in the military is a distinguished accomplishment. He said that should not be taken advantage of by anyone who has not served.

“We have to protect the sanctity of the uniform and make sure they are represented correctly,” Wright said.

While Senators did not hesitate to back the bill, the issue is not quite done with the legislative process yet.

Wright’s bill is similar to another Senate bill (SB 348) that would specifically target public officials from using stolen valor in their official capacity if elected or while running a campaign.

Sens. Jay Collins, a Tampa Republican, and Don Gaetz, a Pensacola Republican, cosponsored the bill, which institutes ethics violations for candidates or elected officials who engage in stolen valor. Violation of that measure, if approved, could include censure by the Florida Board of Ethics, a $25,000 fine and possible removal from office by the Governor. That measure has also received preliminary approval by several Senate committees.

In the House, Rep. Patt Maney, a Fort Walton Beach Republican, has sponsored a bill (HB 399) which is similar to that Senate measure. It hasn’t gone to the House floor yet.

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