Bolinsky Supports Criminalizing Bogus Claims of Military Awards

HARTFORD –With the proliferation of people falsely representing themselves as having a military medal or decoration, or wearing a uniform of one of the armed forces that they are not authorized to wear in an attempt to falsely obtain money or gain property, goods or services, State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) voted to and co-sponsored legislation to criminalize making such dishonest claims.

Under this bill, HB-5293, An Act Concerning Military Valor, those who would openly disrespect the sacrifice of those who serve our country for self-enrichment would receive appropriate penalties for assuming the awards, decorations, and uniforms we reserve for the highest form of patriotic service performed by members of the military who defend our nation and our freedom.

Rep. Bolinsky said, “Our veterans and servicemen distinguish themselves in the selfless sacrifices they have made and make for this great nation. Unfortunately, there are also opportunists and frauds out there who would be so low as to misrepresent themselves as having served honorably to selfishly benefit or profit from such misrepresentations. These despicable scammers cannot be tolerated and I fully support prosecution of such fraudulent activity.”

In Connecticut, there are currently several opportunities meant for legitimate veterans such as those for veteran-owned businesses and service-disabled veterans which should be protected and preserved for those they are intended to help.

The bill stems from the U. S. Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Alvarez which stated that the federal military medal misrepresentation statute was unconstitutional because it violated a person’s First Amendment right to free speech. The plurality opinion stated there is no general First Amendment exception for false statements, but acknowledged there are many laws punishing or criminalizing false statements that cause definite and identifiable harm through fraud.

An Act Concerning Military Valor, HB 5293 now heads to the State Senate for action.