In 2012, the Supreme Court struck down a law that made it illegal to lie about having earned a military medal on the basis of free speech. Now, a year later an improved, more narrowly tailored law is on its way to President Barack Obama's desk. The law, known as the Stolen Valor Act, would make it a crime to profit from lying about having a medal, according to The Associated Press.
The bill is the creation of Nevada lawmakers Rep. Joe Heck and Sen. Dean Heller and easily passed both the Senate and House earlier this week. There are slight differences between this piece of legislation and the earlier version, most notably that one would have to earn some benefit or payment from his or her lying about military honors and service. If that's found to be the case, the perpetrator could face up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
"Our nation can never fully express our gratitude for all that our men and women in uniform have experienced on our behalf," Heller told Military Times. "Their acts of valor helped to ensure the safety and security of our national. The honor of their awards should never be compromised."
Not all military decorations are covered by the bill, according to the news source. However, it does include the Medal of Honor, service crosses, Silver Star, Purple Heart and combat badges.