By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services
The state House approved a measure April 9 that one lawmaker said would, for the first time ever, make lying a crime for political candidates.
As crafted by Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, Senate Bill 1424 would make it a felony to impersonate a veteran if done “with the intent to obtain money, property or any tangible benefit.” What would run afoul of the law includes everything from saying they had served to being the recipient of any sort of decoration, medal or badge that was not lawfully earned through military services.
It also is crafted to make it a crime for people to say they are combat veterans or misrepresent the conditions of their discharge.
