FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Rogers Sets Record Straight
on Stolen Valor Bill HB 2030
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senate Judiciary & Elections Committee Chair Wendy Rogers is setting the record straight on why HB 2030, dubbed the "stolen valor bill" and sponsored by Representative Walt Blackman, did not advance through the committee.
"As a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, I served my country proudly for two decades. I'm a fifth-generation military officer and one of the first 100 women pilots in the Air Force, earning my wings at Arizona's Williams Air Force Base. As a career veteran, I am a strong advocate at the Capitol for the men and women who've selflessly served and sacrificed in the United States military," said Chairwoman Rogers.
"Rep. Blackman refused to work with my staff on HB 2030. I take this seriously, but have concerns Rep. Blackman ran this legislation to hamstring political opponents, rather than hold accountable those who engage in this type of fraud," said Chairwoman Rogers. "This bill would weaponize state government against federally regulated veterans who are already subject to the Stolen Valor Act of 2013. State government does not have access to records, including off the books combat operations."
"After the bill was transmitted to the Senate for consideration, I asked Senate staff to reach out to Rep. Blackman's staff requesting we amend the bill to mirror federal law, so there would be no conflicts or confusion in tackling these crimes. I was informed he was not willing to compromise. I again directed Senate staff to let his staff know that I was including the bill on Wednesday's Senate Judiciary & Elections Committee agenda in case he had a change of heart. Neither Rep. Blackman nor his staff communicated that he was willing to work on an amendment with me," said Chairwoman Rogers. "Instead, he continues a smear campaign, omitting the fact that a repeated good faith effort was made to work with him on this legislation. Sadly, it appears Rep. Blackman let a personal vendetta get in the way of honestly fighting for combat veterans."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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