On April 15, 2025, the Arizona Legislature finally passed SB1424, the “Stolen Valor Act,” written to honor MSgt. Orlando Dona. The bill criminalizes false claims of military service or honors to obtain tangible benefits. Originally sponsored by Representative Walt Blackman (R-7), a U.S. Army combat veteran, the bill protects the integrity of military service and ensures that fraudulent claims do not disrespect those who have served. After stalling in the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee, chaired by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), the bill was revived through a “strike everything” amendment by Senator Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2), allowing it to proceed to a vote.
The Arizona Globe initially reported on the bill on January 16, 2025, and subsequently on its progress here, here, and here. Under the updated legislation, impersonating a veteran to gain benefits becomes a misdemeanor, escalating to a Class 6 felony if the benefit exceeds $50,000. This state-level law reinforces existing federal statutes by empowering local and state prosecutors to hold individuals accountable for misrepresenting military status for personal gain.
The bill passed the House with a 54-1 vote and the Senate with a 29-1 vote. Freedom Caucus members Representative Alexander Kolodin (R-3) and Senator Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) voted against the measure. Kolodin cited concerns over potential infringements on political speech, but Hoffman did not explain his negative vote.
Governor Katie Hobbs has indicated her intention to sign the bill into law, emphasizing that stolen valor is “absolutely unacceptable” and that Arizona should do everything possible to honor the service of its veterans. Hobbs needs a legislative win, so this bipartisan measure is likely to have a signing ceremony on Monday.
The process to get the bill approved was contentious. But in the end, Blackman took the high road, stating, “Grateful to everyone who helped move this bill forward. This was never about me — it’s about protecting our veterans, honoring their service, and making sure Arizona never tolerates stolen valor. Thank you to the veteran community for standing strong. This one’s for you.”
However, some on social media continued to stoke the animus surrounding the bill.
MSgt. Jack Dona, the son of the bill’s namesake, lashed out at Rogers, who initially held the bill in her committee over what she described as constitutional concerns. After Senate President Petersen (R-LD14) helped facilitate the amendment process, Rogers eventually voted in support. Still, that didn’t spare her from continued criticism. In a fiery statement, he began, “Wendy Rogers and Mark Finchem are lying scumbags.”
Rogers issued a statement, writing, “The compromises made by the bill’s sponsor helped get this legislation across the finish line.” Her comment appears to acknowledge Blackman’s willingness to collaborate with Bolick and Petersen once they revived the bill as a striker.
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Senator Hoffman contacted the Arizona Globe with this statement: “With generations in my family having served in uniform, I have total respect and appreciation for all who’ve served in our military. My belief is that punishing the offense of stolen valor is rightly left to the Department of Defense and federal law. This vote doesn’t change my support for these brave men and women, nor does it lessen my disgust for those who would steal someone else’s valor.”