HB1319: Military status or decorations; false representation with intent to obtain services, penalty.


VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER
An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1, relating to false representation of military status; stolen valor; penalty.
[H 1319]
Approved

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-177.1. False representation of military status; penalty.

A. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself to be a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by federal or state law or regulation and obtain any services through such false representation.

B. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself as a recipient of any decoration or medal created by federal or state law or regulation to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard and obtain any services through such false representation.

C. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.


HOUSE BILL NO. 1319
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the House Committee for Courts of Justice
on February 10, 2016)
(Patrons Prior to Substitute--Delegates Collins, Keam [HB 950], and Lingamfelter [HB 54])
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1, relating to false representation of military status; stolen valor; penalty.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-177.1. False representation of military status; penalty.

A. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself to be a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard by federal or state law or regulation and obtain any services through such false representation.

B. It is unlawful for any person, with the intent to obtain any services, to falsely represent himself as a recipient of any decoration or medal created by federal or state law or regulation to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or National Guard and obtain any services through such false representation.

C. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1319

Offered January 21, 2016
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1, relating to fraudulent representation about receipt of military decorations; penalty.
Patron-- Collins

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2 a section numbered 18.2-177.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-177.1. Fraudulent representation about receipt of military decorations or medals; penalty.

A. For purposes of this section, "military decoration or medal" means a Congressional Medal of Honor awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 3741, 10 U.S.C. § 6241, 10 U.S.C. § 8741, or 14 U.S.C. § 491; a distinguished service cross awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 3742; a Navy cross awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 6242; an Air Force cross awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 8742; a silver star awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 3746, 10 U.S.C. § 6244, or 10 U.S.C. § 8746; a Purple Heart awarded under 10 U.S.C. § 1129; a Combat Infantryman's Badge; a Combat Action Badge; a Combat Medical Badge; a Combat Action Ribbon; or a Combat Action Medal.

B. Any person who, with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, fraudulently holds himself out to be a recipient of a military decoration or medal is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.