Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday signed the so-called stolen valor bill into law, protecting benefits for Pennsylvania veterans.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Allegheny County, prohibits the fraudulent representation of military service or military decorations to obtain money, property, or other benefits. according to a press release sent out by the governor's office.

"This new law makes it a crime to impersonate a soldier, a veteran of the armed services, or a recipient of a service medal or decoration in order to gain access to benefits, resources, or job opportunities that we set aside specifically for those who have heroically served our country," Wolf said.

"This legislation is incredibly important because Pennsylvania has the fourth-largest veteran population in the country and it is our duty to be certain that benefits for those veterans are available to those who have earned them."

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"An individual commits this crime if they intend to benefit by fraudulently presenting themselves as a member of the armed serves and/or the recipient of a military award," Saccone said in a news release. "Criminalized behavior would range from lying to receive veteran or health care benefits to fraudulently obtaining preference in a government contract or a job reserved for a veteran."