What's happening
This bill makes it a misdemeanor to falsely claim military service or honors in order to obtain tangible benefits.
Why it matters
Targets fraudulent claims for personal gain. This bill specifically focuses on individuals who falsely claim military service or honors with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits, rather than those who misrepresent for other reasons (like social status or attention).
Protects the value of military honors. By criminalizing the act of lying about military service or awards for benefit, the bill seeks to preserve the integrity and respect due to actual service members and veterans, ensuring that military decorations retain their meaning and prestige.
Creates a new class A misdemeanor. The bill establishes the crime of "stolen valor" as a class A misdemeanor, which can result in significant penalties including possible jail time and fines, sending a clear message about the seriousness of such fraudulent acts.
Covers both impersonation and false claims of awards. The legislation is broad, making it a crime to either falsely wear military uniforms/insignia or to claim receipt of decorations and medals, as long as the intent is to secure tangible benefits. This comprehensive approach closes loopholes that might allow some types of misrepresentation to go unpunished.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Criminalize Fake Military Honors
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
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Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1731
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 16, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. HAWLEY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Codes
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to the crime of stolen valor
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 190.24 to read as follows: § 190.24 Stolen valor.
A person commits the crime of stolen valor if he or she knowingly, with the intent to obtain money, property or another tangible benefit:
1. misrepresents himself or herself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia, by federal and state laws and regulations, or
2. holds himself or herself out to be a recipient of any decoration or medal created by federal and state laws and regulations to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia.
The crime of stolen valor is a class A misdemeanor.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02120-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.