STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – LD7 State Representative Walt Blackman (R) has introduced new legislation to combat fraudulent claims of military service and protect the integrity of veteran status within Arizona. The legislation was also created to honor an Arizona Veteran.
HB2030 strengthens penalties for impersonating a Veteran for personal gain and is the most comprehensive state-level response to stolen valor to date.
“We cannot allow the honorable service and sacrifice of our military men and women to be undermined by deceitful actors,” said LD7 Representative Blackman (R), a U.S. Army Veteran and Chairman of the House Committee on Government.
Florida enacted a Stolen Valor Act that makes it Unlawful to use uniforms, medals, or insignia that he or she is not authorized to wear while soliciting charitable contributions or for material gain, including, but not limited to, obtaining employment or public office, resulting in receiving compensation. Also, for theatrical purposes while engaging in material gain.
HB2030 is being crafted in honor of MSgt Orlando Jose Dona, USAF Retired. In 1952, Dona enlisted in the USAF as a Navigator/Crew Chief on the C-46 Commando and C-47 Sky Train troop carriers. He completed a tour during the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam. He survived two aircraft crashes, once bailing out over the Mediterranean Sea. A decade later, he transferred to the USAF Intelligence Dept and began working as a programmer on the UNIVAC Computer System, a new pioneer program. Dona was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the Korean War Service Medal, and others during his service in the USAF. Dona passed away on June 8, 2024, and was laid to rest at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, CA.
In Arizona, HB2030 creates strong deterrents against impersonating a Veteran, targeting fraudulent activities such as:
- Claiming military service or awards to obtain employment, government contracts, or veteran benefits.
- Using false veteran status to gain votes, campaign contributions, or political advantages.
- Falsifying or altering military documents, combat-related badges, or awards.
- Penalties range from a Class 4 felony to a Class 2 felony for offenses involving high-value benefits. The bill also mandates the removal of public officials convicted under the law. HB2030 builds on the federal Stolen Valor Act of 2013 by addressing gaps in federal law and expanding protections at the state level. It uses Arizona’s authority under the 10th Amendment to focus on fraudulent conduct affecting state programs, elections, and institutions.
Rep. Blackman said, “This legislation sends a clear message that Arizona will not tolerate stolen valor in any form. By holding individuals accountable for misrepresenting their military status for personal, political, or financial gain, we uphold the integrity of our Veterans’ contributions and the trust of our citizens.”
Representative Walt Blackman is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 7 and is Chairman of the House Government Committee. Follow him on X at @BlackmanForAZ.