BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved the Stolen Valor Act sponsored by state Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield).
The bill must now be signed by Gov. Charlie Baker before becoming a law. It would then create the strictest law in the country regarding stealing a veteran’s valor.
“This shows, once again, that Massachusetts is leading from the front,” said Velis, a U.S. Army captain and veteran himself.
The Stolen Valor Act was filed by Velis at the start of the year. It was approved unanimously by the House right before Veteran’s Day, and was approved 39-0 in the Senate.
Velis said he was very grateful.
“I want to thank my colleagues – I could not be happier,” he said.
Velis’ Stolen Valor Act makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and imprisonment, to use fake military ID or falsely represent oneself as a veteran or service member for financial gain, or to wear a military uniform, awards or decoration a person has not earned.
A federal Stolen Valor law makes it illegal to falsely claim a military medal for financial gain. Velis’ act is the strictest one on the country.
“It’s a big deal,” he said.
Velis said he hoped Baker would sign the bill into law as early as next week.
