Senate Bill No. 51, introduced by Senator Kleinpeter, establishes the crime of fraudulent representation of military service or awards in Louisiana. The bill defines this crime as making false claims about receiving or holding a military service record or award that was either revoked or not granted, with the intent to defraud or gain an advantage. Penalties for this offense include a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. If the fraudulent representation pertains to specific military honors, such as the Congressional Medal of Honor or the Purple Heart, the penalties increase to a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Additionally, the bill imposes harsher penalties for fraudulent claims that result in benefits reserved for active duty service members, veterans, or their families, with fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years, along with mandatory restitution of any benefits obtained. The bill also clarifies definitions related to military awards, service records, and veterans. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.