This bill proposes to amend current statutes by introducing a new section, 13-2414, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, which establishes the offense of impersonating a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Under the new law, a person commits this offense if they knowingly misrepresent themselves as a veteran and engage in specific conduct with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefits. The bill outlines various forms of misrepresentation, including falsely claiming military service, awards, or educational credentials, and specifies that impersonating a veteran is classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, escalating to a class 6 felony if the benefit obtained is valued at $50,000 or more.

Additionally, the bill provides a complete defense against prosecution if the accused can present certified separation documents that support their claims. It also clarifies that the law does not apply to actors portraying veterans in entertainment or individuals experiencing homelessness. The legislation includes definitions for "combat veteran" and "tangible benefit," and it mandates that individuals convicted under this section face all applicable penalties, including disqualification from public office. The act is officially titled the "Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-206.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 4-206.01
House Engrossed Version: 13-2414