Measure cosponsored by Senator Crowe increases penalties against those who impersonate military heroes
(NASHVILLE) — Wednesday morning, House members unanimously passed a measure sponsored by State Representative Micah Van Huss (R-Johnson City) and cosponsored by State Senator Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) that strengthens identity protections for our military veterans.
House Bill 2130/Senate Bill 2030, also known as the Tennessee Stolen Valor Act, is designed to safeguard the identities of our brave veterans who serve our state and our nation by cracking down on instances of theft and fraud involving those who attempt to imitate them.
The measure creates a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, as well as a fine of up to $2,500, for anyone who impersonates a veteran or individuals who fraudulently represent their service with the intent of obtaining money, property, services, or any other tangible benefits.
House Bill 2130/Senate Bill 2030 comes after a recent case in Northeast Tennessee involving a con artist who lied about his military service to steal from veterans.
An eight-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Representative Van Huss has fought to support our brave military heroes and their families throughout his time serving in our General Assembly.
This initiative is the latest in a series of Republican-led measures designed to honor our veterans and thank them for their service.
“I was honored to carry this legislation on behalf of the veterans of Washington County and of Tennessee,” said Representative Van Huss. “We are working to put an end to actions that cheapen your service to our nation. Thank you to all of the veterans who served before my generation of veterans. You likely were not thanked like I was. We would not have been able to accomplish what we did in Iraq if it were not for your efforts across the globe.”
“Our veterans cared more for our liberty and freedom than they did for their own lives,” said Senator Crowe. “Our military protects us every day. It is important for us to make sure that those that may be misrepresenting their service be prosecuted to the fullest.”
For additional information about House Bill 2130/Senate Bill 2030, please click here.