The Arizona legislature is advancing a bill that would increase penalties for falsely claiming military service or decorations. After passing the House with amendments, Senate Bill 1424 heads to the Senate with revised penalties aligning with federal standards (up to one year imprisonment versus the initially proposed 15 years). There is still some disagreement and wrangling over the bill, so not quite a done deal. The legislation has sparked controversy between its original author, Rep. Walt Blackman, and Sen. Wendy Rogers. Following additional procedural steps, the bill is expected to reach Governor Katie Hobbs within approximately one week for final decision.
Arizona Lawmakers Debate Increased Penalties for Stolen Valor, Bill Nears Senate Vote
By Taylor Johnson | April 10, 2025The Arizona state legislature is currently embroiled in a debate over stolen valor, as lawmakers consider a bill that would ramp up penalties for those who falsely claim military service or decorations.
The legislation, intended to protect the integrity of military honors and the sacrifices of veterans, has seen fierce debate in both the state House and Senate.
According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the Stolen Valor bill has passed the Arizona House of Representatives with some amendments and is headed to the Senate.
Arizona Senate President Sen. Warren Petersen has expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, stating, “I’m glad that we’ve been able to come to a compromise, and it looks like we’ll be passing this out soon.” The bill in question, SB 1424, aims to adjust the maximum penalty to be more in line with the federal law, which caps at up to a year in prison, a change from the initial proposal of up to 15 years.
However, not all lawmakers are on board with the bill. Rep. Alex Kolodin was the only member of the House to vote against the bill, raising concerns about the potential for criminalizing political speech, as reported by AZ Mirror. “We cannot open the door to allowing our courts to judge political speech within the context of criminal law,” Kolodin told the House. His concerns stem from provisions in the bill that could disqualify individuals convicted under this statute from holding public office.
Caught in a crossfire of accusations, the bill’s journey has been marred by contention between senators.
Then…
Despite the controversy, the bill is expected to go through a few more steps, including a caucus hearing, before it reaches the Senate floor for a final vote. Senate President Petersen anticipates this process to take about a week. If passed, the legislation will be sent to Governor Katie Hobbs for signing or veto, to affirm Arizona’s commitment to its veterans and the authenticity of their honored service.
Steve Slaton was mentioned as part of the controversy. You may recall that ValorGuardians and the Guardians of the Green Beret wrote about Slaton.
How exactly is stolen valor “political speech”, Mr. Kolodin?
Ask Danang Dick that question.
Not surprising that some politicians want to protect a lying thieving POS from lying and stealing charges. Being as some politicians are nothing but lying, thieving POSes themselves.
Steve Slaton is once again part of Arizona controversy,
and it’s because Wendy Rogers,
a retired officer and female pilot,
failed to do a basic vetting of Slaton before giving him her “endorsement”.
Oh, and her failure not spotting Slaton’s FAKE DD-214.
Much like PA’s failed guber candidate, retired Army COL Doug Mastriano
hitching up with conman Teddy Daniels as his Lt.Gov “running mate”.
It’s really hypocritical
for a phony enabler and phony defender to get caught doing this….
and then go on to pretend to be a champion
for enhanced laws for Stolen Valor.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTrfuIuaMAE2WgI.jpg
The skullduggery of Wendy Rogers.
She blocked the AZ Stolen valor bill,
and fought (successfully) to get punishments DOWNGRADED,
for her own political and personal reasons….
Because…. The author of the bill, AZ Rep. Blackman,
is the very same 2024 GOP primary opponent of Steve Slaton.
Blackman took active part in exposing Phony Vietnam Pilot Slaton,
then beat Slaton (and 4 others) in the primary,
with a smallish 27% of the primary vote.
Slaton finished 3rd, despite the “endorsement” by Wendy Rogers.
So, for Wendy Rogers,
her critics are now and again making this all known.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/stolen-valor-bill-blocked-wendy-rogers-supporters-cry-foul
Stolen Valor
Has one of her constituents raising hell on their
X page, about how she has him blocked
Or had him blocked from speaking up about
Her boodie call, being a shit bag, Steve Slaton.
I’ll never look at the republicans in Arizona
with any respect after this BS.
A great way to lose control of the state GOP
keep up the good work
Skippy,
Holy Crap.
Found it > https://x.com/StolenValor1
She’s nutty as hell
I’m at work so I’ll keep this short
If only there actually were poser inaction figures.
Soupy deserves one
Will comment more after work
I recently got my Az CCW permit renewed. I have had this thing for about 10 years and it came up for renewal. I had to resend my DD214 etc to them. low and behold the USMC gave me the short form with no re-enlistment code or type of discharge on it. They denied my renewal until I did a request for my records. I got them and downloaded them and e-mailed them. A couple of days later it was approved. At least they are looking for discrepancies and possibly catching liars and cheats.
For the asshat that didn’t vote for this bill
He got a endorsement from you know who
And another one
I imagine All-Points Logistics will now not be opening a branch in Phoenix in the near future.