House Unites to Pass ‘Valor Act’ as Senate Committee Puts the Brakes On

A bipartisan group of Arizona lawmakers is urging the state’s Senate leadership to prioritize the passage of a bill aimed at criminalizing the impersonation of armed forces veterans. Dubbed the “Master Sergeant Orlando Dona Valor Act,” House Bill 2030 received unanimous approval in the House on February 11, with a 58-0 vote.

Despite its swift passage through the House, the bill has stagnated in the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee since February 27. Lawmakers are expressing frustration over the delay, particularly blaming Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, for not advancing the bill beyond committee review.

Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake and the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the urgency of the matter in a March 19 press conference, declaring, “Silence in this is compliance in this.” He emphasized that every district in Arizona has veterans who deserve protection from fraudulent claims of military service.

Blackman, a U.S. Army veteran, hinted at personal motivations behind Rogers’ lack of action. During the 2024 elections, she backed Blackman’s primary opponent, Steve Slaton, a candidate accused of embellishing his military service record. While Slaton claimed extensive combat experience, official military documentation disputes these assertions.

Amid ongoing tensions, Blackman accused both Rogers and Sen. Mark Finchem, R-Prescott, of obstructing the bill to safeguard Slaton. He described the legislation as straightforward, calling for his Senate colleagues to either support it or step aside.

Despite reaching out for comments, neither Rogers nor Finchem provided responses. Meanwhile, Blackman and the House Government Committee took proactive steps, approving an amendment on SB1424 that mirrors his original bill’s provisions, which could expedite its passage through the Senate.

Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, is sponsoring the SB1424 amendment, underlining the importance of prioritizing good policy over personal conflicts. “We should not be putting personalities over good policy,” Bolick stated, referencing her family’s military background.

Due to the bill’s criminal penalties, it remains tethered to Rogers’ committee. Blackman expressed discontent with Senate President Warren Petersen’s decision to assign the bill there but advocated for an alternative route if Rogers continues to impede progress. Petersen, however, affirmed his commitment to respecting committee structure, insisting, “If they hold a bill, it is dead, even if I like the bill.”