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RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO PASS SB 1824 AND HB 1455 OR SIMILAR LEGISLATION PROHIBITING THE IMPERSONATION OF MILITARY PERSONNEL OR VETERANS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

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WHEREAS, due to the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, many Americans are more desirous of showing their support for military members and veterans and choose to do so by donating to charities that provide assistance to such members and veterans; and
WHEREAS, it is reported that not all charitable organizations that purport to provide assistance to military members or veterans or their families effectively provide such assistance, and some veterans groups, at times, use professional solicitors who keep significant portions of the funds raised leaving less money to help military veterans; and
WHEREAS, it is also reported that certain groups have entered into the practice of dressing in military uniforms for the purpose of soliciting contributions from the public; and
WHEREAS, Section 250.43, Florida Statutes, makes it unlawful for any person, other than a person authorized by law, to wear a uniform or insignia of rank worn by officers of the National Guard or wear the uniform of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard, Naval Militia, or Marine Corps or any part of such uniform, or imitation uniform, and such an offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree; and
WHEREAS, SB 1824 and HB 1455 would further prohibit a person from wearing the uniform of, or any medal or insignia authorized for use by members or veterans of, the United States Armed Forces or National Guard, if he or she intends to misrepresent himself or herself as a member or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard while soliciting for charitable contributions, and such an offense would be a felony of the third degree; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County desires to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to pass SB 1824 and HB 1455 or similar legislation prohibiting the impersonation of military personnel or military veterans for the purpose of soliciting charitable contributions.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County�s state lobbyists to advocate for the issue identified in Section 1 above, and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2010 state legislative package.