Zupkus Supports Bill Criminalizing False Representation of Military Service and Awards

HARTFORD — State Rep. Lezlye Zupkus this week voted for legislation that defines the crime of falsely representing oneself as having a military medal or decoration, or wearing a uniform of one of the armed forces that one is not authorized to wear in order to fraudulently obtain money, property, or other goods or services.

“Pretending to have served honorably in the United States military is a cowardly act that disrespects the people who actually wore the uniform,” Zupkus, a member of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said after her vote Wednesday. “But faking it to prop up a fraudulent scheme is even worse, and it’s behavior that deserves punishment.”

The “Stolen Valor” bill, co-sponsored by Zupkus, is in response to 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.

There are 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, Zupkus said.

The legislation (H.B. 5293) is supported by the Connecticut Veterans Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the House approved the bill in 143-0 vote, sending it to the state senate for further action.