2022 -- H 7714

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LC005383

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FALSE REPRESENTATION OF MILITARY

STATUS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, and McEntee

     Date Introduced: March 02, 2022

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Title 11 of the General Laws entitled "CRIMINAL OFFENSES" is hereby

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amended by adding thereto the following chapter:

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CHAPTER 70

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FALSE REPRESENTATION OF MILITARY STATUS

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     11-70-1. False representation of military status prohibited – Stolen valor.

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     (a) A person commits the crime of stolen valor if he or she knowingly, with the intent to

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obtain money, property, or another tangible benefit:

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     (1) Fraudulently represents himself or herself to be an active member or veteran of the

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United States Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, including armed forces reserves

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and National Guard through the unauthorized manufacture, sale, or use of military regalia or gear,

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including the wearing of military uniforms, or the use of falsified military identification; and

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obtains money, property, or another tangible benefit through such fraudulent representation.

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     (2) Fraudulently represents himself or herself to be a recipient of the Congressional Medal

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of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart,

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Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Combat Medical Badge, Combat Action

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Ribbon, or Air Force Combat Action Medal; and obtains money, property, or another tangible

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benefit through such fraudulent representation.

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     (b) A person who commits the crime of stolen valor is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall

 

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be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or by a fine of one thousand dollars

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($1,000), or both.

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     (c) Any monies collected pursuant to this chapter shall be forwarded to the office of the

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adjutant general to be allocated to the Rhode Island military family relief fund established pursuant

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to § 30-3-41.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- FALSE REPRESENTATION OF MILITARY

STATUS

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     This act would create a new crime, referred to as stolen valor, which would be committed

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by any person who knowingly, with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits,

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fraudulently represents himself or herself as an active or inactive member of the military or armed

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forces. The crime would be a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year,

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a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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