Petersen Joins Fray over Stolen Valor Bill

A behind-the-scenes dispute over Arizona’s Stolen Valor legislation has spilled into public view, with accusations of political gamesmanship, competing strategies, and veterans caught in the middle. While the bill has broad public support and bipartisan interest, it’s entangled in a tug-of-war between key state Republican lawmakers, including  Rep. Walt Blackman (R-7), Sen. Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), and now, Senate President Warren Petersen (R-LD14).

Although media reports that Petersen won’t bring the popular Stolen Valor bill for a floor vote have surfaced, Petersen clarified his position in an exclusive statement to the Arizona Globe, stating, “I’m optimistic we get something done. I’m working on getting them together to work on an amendment.”

On March 15, the Globe was the first to report on a deal between Blackman and Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) to use a “strike everything” amendment to rework large sections of the Stolen Valor bill.

Weeks earlier, during a live social media discussion on X (X-Space), Blackman had revealed a backup plan to insert the bill’s language into one of Bolick’s existing House bills—in this case, HB2030—the practice of using a “vehicle bill.” He stated this would fast-track the key elements of the Stolen Valor bill, all but ensuring a Senate vote, which he claims had sufficient support for passage.

“I was keeping this under my shirt,” he said before sharing the full plan with nearly 300 X-Space listeners.

The controversy started after Sen. Rogers decided to hold the Stolen Valor bill in committee without a vote, explaining her reasons in a press release.

Rogers wrote, “After the bill was transmitted to the Senate for consideration, I asked Senate staff to reach out to Rep. Blackman’s staff, requesting we amend the bill to mirror federal law so there would be no conflicts or confusion in tackling these crimes. I was informed he was not willing to compromise.”

Rogers said she kept the door open, adding, “I again directed Senate staff to let his staff know that I was including the bill on Wednesday’s Senate Judiciary & Elections Committee agenda in case he had a change of heart. Neither Rep. Blackman nor his staff communicated that he was willing to work on an amendment with me.”

After Rogers held up the Stolen Valor bill, Blackman tabled Senate Continuing Resolution SCR1002—the Photo Radar bill—from its scheduled committee hearing agenda. The Globe reviewed a detailed letter from Blackman to Rogers in which he outlined “numerous flaws” that Blackman claimed significantly impacted the  Resolution. Still, the timing of his decision raised eyebrows and sparked speculation.

Then, widespread outrage erupted on social media after reports emerged that numerous vets showed up at the Capitol to support the Stolen Valor bill’s public discussion, only to learn in real time that the hearing had been scrubbed. Democrat politicos also weighed in on X, including state Senate Democrats, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, and AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Blackman, a retired combat Army veteran, sharply criticized Rogers’ decision to hold the Stolen Valor bill in committee.

“As a combat veteran, I know what real sacrifice looks like,” he posted in a statement on X. “That’s why what happened at the Arizona Capitol this week wasn’t just political—it was a disgrace.”

Bollick’s X post confirmed what the Globe reported weeks ago: “I full heartedly support House Bill 2030 in its original form, as well as, Senate Bill 1424. Senate Bill 1424 now has a strike everything amendment with Rep. Blackman’s original bill that was unanimously voted out of the House.”

Rogers defended her decision in an official statement: “This bill would weaponize state government against federally regulated veterans who are already subject to the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. State government does not have access to records, including off-the-books combat operations.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to veterans: “As a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, I served proudly for two decades. I’m a fifth-generation military officer and one of the first 100 women pilots in the Air Force, earning my wings at Arizona’s Williams Air Force Base. As a career veteran, I’ve been a strong advocate at the Capitol for those who’ve selflessly served and sacrificed.”

This is a developing story.

(Read the Globe’s other ‘Stolen Valor’ reporting here and here.)