Assemblyman Cook's Stolen Valor Bill Signed by the Governor

[boardman]

Assemblyman Cook's Stolen Valor Bill Signed by the Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 8, 2011
John Sobel 916-319-2065

SACRAMENTO -Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) announced that AB 167 was signed by Governor Jerry Brown. The bill will force elected officials to forfeit office if they are convicted under the California Stolen Valor Act.

Under current state law, an elected official must be convicted of the federal Stolen Valor Act in order to be forced to vacate office. The federal Stolen Valor Act states that it is illegal for a person to make a false claim of a military decoration. Unfortunately, the federal law has been challenged in court due to First Amendment issues. This is due to the fact that the federal law does not include an "intent to defraud" provision; the California Stolen Valor Act contains such a provision.

Cook stated, "This is an extremely important piece of legislation that protects and honors veterans and the sacrifices they've made. When politicians misrepresent themselves and make false claims of military rank and heroism, it does a tremendous disservice not only to our vets but to the public. We need to hold politicians to a higher standard and should have no tolerance for lies made for political gain. I'm extremely happy the bill was signed."

Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the US Marine Corps. His actions in combat earned him a number of honors, including the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

"Since the 9-11 attack on the Twin Towers there has been a tremendous increase in individuals claiming to be military heroes. Many of these phonies have never served in the military. The California Stolen Valor Act will now criminalize their activities as intent to defraud," says Pe! te Conaty, a military retiree and lobbyist for the sponsors of the bill as well as other veterans organizations.

AB 167 was sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America and Student Veterans of California, and received support from the American Legion, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, the California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, and the California State Commanders Veterans Council.

AB 167 will take effect January 1, 2012.