MI Senate committee considers "Stolen Valor" bill

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – A state Senate panel is expected to vote Tuesday on a bill that would make it a crime to impersonate war veteran.

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Supporters call it the Stolen Valor bill, and it would punish impersonators with up to a year in prison and $5,000. It would not punish play-actors or people acting in war reenactments.

State Senator Randy Richardville sponsored the bill, along with another that would increase penalties again people who damage war memorials. Richardville says he was bothered when a memorial honoring a fallen soldier in his district was defaced.

"And that was very harmful to the family who had lost a son, and to those who respect the sacrifices that were given," he says.

Richardville expects the bills to pass through the Senate and House.