Rep. Walt Blackman Archives

Bolick Striker Saves Stolen Valor Act

April 17, 2025 9:57 amApril 23, 2025 10:01 am

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...

WEEK in REVIEW: March 23-March 29, 2025

March 30, 2025 4:04 pmApril 3, 2025 3:54 pm

Stolen Valor Bill Faces Senate Challenges The “Stolen Valor” bill, aimed at criminalizing falsely claiming military service or honors for personal gain, has encountered obstacles in the Senate. Although it passed unanimously in the House, Senator Wendy Rogers, chair of...

Blackman’s ‘Stolen Valor’ Bill Forms Unexpected Alignments

March 30, 2025 2:51 pmApril 2, 2025 10:51 am

Rep. Walt Blackman’s (R-7) “Stolen Valor” legislation has evolved into a controversial focal point in Arizona politics, not for its content, but because of the unexpected political alliances it fostered. The bill, which aims to criminalize impersonating a U.S. armed...

Rogers’ Photo Radar Bill Stalls in Committee – Again

March 29, 2025 11:33 amApril 1, 2025 9:40 am

Senate Continuing Resolution SCR1002, introduced by Senator Wendy Rogers (R-LD7), prohibits using photo enforcement systems statewide. If passed, the measure would proceed to the ballot for the voters to decide. This iteration of the photo radar ban represents the 18th...

Petersen Joins Fray over Stolen Valor Bill

March 28, 2025 8:21 amApril 1, 2025 9:40 am

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...

AZ House Passes Blackman’s ‘Stolen Valor’ Bill

March 15, 2025 2:06 pmMarch 22, 2025 2:11 pm

The Arizona House unanimously passed House Bill 2030, the “Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act,” which strengthens penalties against individuals falsely claiming military service or honors for personal gain. The bill, introduced by Representative Walt Blackman, a U.S. Army combat...

Marshall, Powell Pen Bill to Restore Prisoners’ Hope

January 31, 2025 9:49 amFebruary 15, 2025 9:58 am

Representatives David Marshall Sr. (R-7) and Khyl Powell (R-14) met with fellow lawmakers, corrections officials, and justice reform advocates on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, for an emotional policy briefing focused on giving life-sentenced prisoners a glimmer of hope. Marshall, a...