Florida Cracks Down on Stolen Valor for Officials
A Florida Senate bill that would criminalize public officials who falsely claim military service or awards for material gain has passed two legislative committees. Senate Bill 348, which passed unanimously in both the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Ethics and Elections Committee, would add provisions to Florida’s ethics code prohibiting candidates and public officials from making false military service claims. Violators could face censure by the Florida Board of Ethics, a $25,000 fine, and possible removal from office.
Florida Senate Committee Approves Stolen Valor Bill for Public Officials
by | Mar 5, 2025(SUMMATION) Senate Bill 348 passed the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security by a 6-0 vote. The bill would add to the state’s code of ethics a prohibition on candidates and public officials from making false claims related to their military service for material gain. Penalties could include censure, a fine of $25,000 and recommendation of removal from office. The bill would also expand the attorney general’s authority to seek wage garnishment for unpaid fines. A similar measure is in the House Rules & Ethics Committee. Congress passed the Stolen Valor Act in 2013 that narrowed the crime to one of using false representations about military service to earn money or other benefits.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Jay Collins and Don Gaetz, would also expand the attorney general’s authority to seek wage garnishment for unpaid ethics violation fines without requiring a court judgment. A similar measure is being considered in the House. The bill follows federal Stolen Valor legislation, which was narrowed in 2013 to specifically criminalize false military service claims made for personal benefit after the Supreme Court struck down broader prohibitions on First Amendment grounds.
I have to say I think this is the right path. Although not direct financial gain, the leverage of stolen valor in politics offers several unearned advantages and can be eventually tied to monetary gains.
Category: Politics, Stolen Valor, Stolen Valor Act
Next time U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut comes to Florida…
Arrest him.
I miss the Stolen Valor cases…
Not that some jack-wagon was doing it but reading about the claims, the comments, and sometimes the emergence of a sock puppet. Are there not that cases anymore, or does TAH not get any submitted?
I think we’re on a backlog not necessarily a hiatus of that due to stuff at NARA/NPRC and the like of full documentation and full investigations.
As far as sock pop gets well, we’ll never get another. Psul.
The Dutch Rudder Gang needs to replenish their membership. And if any of you Adorable Deplorables can spare some change, please contribute to the Dutch Rudder Relief Program (pronounced DEEERRRP!) in order to maintain the gravesite of Daniel Bernath. They need to install a drainage ditch to accommodate the overflow of urine from people pissing on his grave.
Don’t worry…..within the next few years, we will get all the high speed spec ops types and drone operators who served in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion.
They can still go do it for real!
Welp, that’s a good start. Now…make it the “Law of the land”!
Is there a way for them to add an additional punishment? So it would be: censure, $25K fine, “possible” removal from office, and an ass whoopin in a public space!
And automatic reassignment to All-Points Logistics!
Good, now make it Federal. Also elevate the charge if they are law enforcement or in a special position of trust like a judge or prosecutor.
Make it federal and tie violations to security clearances.
It does go straight to character.
Or lack thereof.
Not strong enough.
Agree.
Phil Monkress (CEO of All-Points Logistics) just drank a quart of Pepto Bismol.
Bless his heart.