Bill > HB2667

This bill creates two new criminal offenses related to servicemembers: criminal defamation of a servicemember and unlawful appropriation of the identity of a servicemember. Under the first offense, a person can be charged with criminal defamation if they intentionally harass a servicemember by making a false statement about their military service to a third party, with the intent to cause financial or reputational harm. This is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $6,250. Defenses include if the statement is true or if the servicemember was discharged under less than honorable conditions. The second offense involves falsely claiming to be a servicemember or falsely claiming an affiliation with a servicemember nonprofit organization, with the intent to deceive or defraud, which is also a Class A misdemeanor with the same potential penalties. Both offenses define "servicemember" broadly to include current or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, reserve components, and National Guard. The bill also updates the Oregon Criminal Code to include these new sections, expanding protections for servicemembers against identity misrepresentation and harmful defamation.

Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2667