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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 25, 2015 03:23 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Chris Sainato |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Co-Sponsorship of Legislation: Increase Penalties for Militray fraud |
| MEMORANDUM DATE: March 25, 2015 TO: All House Members FROM: Representative Chris Sainato, Democratic Chairman Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee SUBJECT: Co-Sponsorship of Legislation: Increase Penalties for Military Fraud In the near future, I will introduce legislation to increase the penalties under Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, for individuals who misrepresent themselves as a veteran or member of the U.S. Military, with the intent to obtain aid or profit. Under current law, individuals who commit these disgraceful acts are only subject to a summary offense. My legislation increases this offense to a third-degree misdemeanor and imposes a minimum $1,000 fine to be deposited into the Veterans Trust Fund. There have been several reports of individuals misrepresenting themselves as members of our military, some even wearing full military uniform, for financial gain. Most recently, a veteran in Bucks County gained national attention when he confronted a man dressed in full military uniform, claiming to be a veteran Army Ranger in the Iraq and Afghan Wars, so he could receive veteran discounts on Black Friday. While falsely claiming to be in the Armed Forces is not illegal, those who do so for financial gain should be properly penalized. Therefore, I respectfully ask that you join me in our continued goal of honoring our brave men and women who put their lives on the line, as we seek to preserve the sanctity of our military uniform. |
Introduced as HB968