Retired CW2 Stu Soffer known around these parts as “Club Manager” sends us the news that Arkansas’ Stolen Valor Act is on it’s way to Governor Asa Hutchinson’s desk for his signature after two years of perseverance. Club Manager drafted the language for the bill and State Representative Trevor Drown, a Reserve component Special Forces First Sergeant was the primary sponsor. <\/p>\n
Here’s the language;<\/p>\n
5-37-218. Stolen valor. <\/p>\n
(a) As used in this section, “United States Armed Forces” means:
\n (1) Any branch or reserve component of the United States Armed Forces; and
\n (2) The National Guard of any state. <\/p>\n(b) A person commits the offense of stolen valor if, with the purpose to obtain property, a service, or a benefit, he or she knowingly misrepresents himself or herself:
\n (1) By the use of false military identification, including without limitation a:
\n (A) United States Department of Defense identification card;
\n (B) Military veteran’s Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, generally referred to as a “DD Form 214”; or
\n (C) Department of Veterans Affairs identification card;
\n (2) To be an active member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces;
\n (3) To be a recipient of a military decoration, medal, or badge;
\n (4) To be a holder of an awarded qualification or military occupational specialty, including without limitation the following designations:
\n (A) Aircraft pilot, navigator, or crew member;
\n (B) Navy SEAL or diver;
\n (C) United States Army Ranger;
\n (D) United States Special Forces member;
\n (E) Parachutist; or
\n (F) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician;
\n (5) To be a recipient of the:
\n (A) Medal of Honor;
\n (B) Distinguished Service Cross;
\n (C) Navy Cross;
\n (D) Air Force Cross;
\n (E) Silver Star Medal;
\n (F) Purple Heart;
\n (G) Combat Infantryman Badge;
\n (H) Combat Action Badge;
\n (I) Combat Medical Badge;
\n (J) Combat Action Ribbon; or
\n (K) Combat Action Medal; or
\n (6) To have been a prisoner of war. <\/p>\n(c) Stolen valor is a:
\n (1) Class B misdemeanor for a second or subsequent violation or 28 for a violation under subdivision (b)(5) of this section; or
\n (2) Class C misdemeanor if otherwise committed. <\/p>\n(d) The fines collected under this section by the municipality or county where the offense occurred shall be distributed to the Department of Veterans Affairs to be used to maintain and operate the Veteran’s Home established under \u00a7 20-81-105.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"