HB2 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve ClouseRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Crime of theft of valor, created, criminal penalties, limitation period tolled, Alabama Stolen Valor Act of 2015, Sec. 13A-8-10.5 added

Summary

HB2 creates a new Alabama crime called theft of valor, making it illegal to falsely obtain or display military medals or decorations for material gain, with penalties and a tolling provision on the statute of limitations.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a new section to Alabama law to define theft of valor, including what counts as a Congressional Medal of Honor and what qualifies as material gain. It makes it illegal to wear, purchase, sell, or falsely claim medals or decorations to gain something of value, and it assigns penalties that vary by the medal involved. The statute of limitations for prosecuting theft of valor does not start until the facts of the offense are discovered, and the act takes effect a few months after it becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who knowingly wear, purchase, sell, or falsely claim military medals or decorations to obtain material gain and could face penalties from misdemeanor to felony.
• Merchants, sellers, advertisers, or others who facilitate theft of valor by distributing, advertising, or transferring medals or related certificates, potentially making them liable if they contribute to the offense.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Stolen Valor Act of 2015 and adds Section 13A-8-10.5 to define theft of valor and its penalties.
• Defines Congressional Medal of Honor and material gain, including various forms of value such as money, services, or other benefits.
• Prohibits actions such as wearing, purchasing, selling, or falsely representing ownership of medals or decorations to obtain material gain, with penalties tiered by medal type (Class B misdemeanor generally; Class A misdemeanor with a $5,000 minimum fine for certain decorations; Class C felony for an offense involving a Congressional Medal of Honor).
• Stipulates that the limitation period for prosecuting theft of valor does not begin until discovery of the facts constituting the offense, and sets an effective date for the law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses