SENATE MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1871

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 11, 2021

      The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1871.

      The bill would upgrade certain crimes of misrepresenting oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia. 

      Under N.J.S.38A:14-5, it is a crime of the third degree, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000, for any person to knowingly:

      1) with intent to impersonate and to deceive for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit, misrepresent oneself as a member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia by wearing the uniform or any medal or insignia authorized for use by the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia, by Federal and State laws and regulations (if the person impersonated and deceived for another purpose other than to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit, then it is a crime of the fourth degree); or 

      2) with intent to deceive for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or other tangible benefit, holds oneself out to be a recipient of any decoration or medal created by Federal and State laws and regulations to honor the members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces or the organized militia.

      This bill would upgrade these crimes to a second degree if the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit in the amount of $75,000 or more.  If the actor obtains money, property or other tangible benefit less than $75,000, then the crime would remain as a crime of the third degree, subject to a minimum fine of $1,000.   

      A crime of the second degree is punishable by up to five-10 years imprisonment, up to a $150,000 fine, or both.  A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to three-five years imprisonment, up to a $15,000 fine, or both.