HARRISBURG, PA — A bill that would make it a crime for Pennsylvania residents to claim to be military veterans unless they have actually served passed in the Senate on March 4 and has been sent to the House for consideration.

The so-called “stolen valor” law was sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker in the wake of a new state law, which allows veterans to receive an honorary veteran designation on their driver’s licenses and provides an easier way for them to take advantage of discounts and services specifically for veterans. But some veterans said the law also made it too easy for non-veterans to obtain the designation.

Baker’s bill would punish those who falsely get the designation on their license with a $300 fine or up to 90 days in jail.

The bill mirrors a similar bill from last session, which passed the full Senate unanimously but failed to be picked up by the House before the session ended.

“Although the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs checks a percentage of applicants who self-certify as a veteran, it appears that an additional deterrent is needed,” Baker said. “We aim to honor veterans without providing an easy avenue for the unscrupulous to steal the valor of those who have worn the uniform with pride.”

“Unfortunately, we constantly become aware of individuals who feel compelled to fabricate military service, for reasons of ego and advantage,” Baker said in remarks delivered on the Senate floor. “This despicable practice has come to be called ‘stolen valor.’ The risk of public humiliation does not seem to be enough deterrent.”

“My bill is designed to deter fraud and protect the ‘veteran’ label for those genuine American heroes who have earned our gratitude and secured our freedom through their service and sacrifice,” Baker said. “Falsely posing as a veteran is an affront to all those who served and sacrificed. This fraud is also an affront to the taxpayers sustaining the programs and services our veterans have earned through their devotion to duty.”