Senate Passes Bill That Would Prohibit Unauthorized Use of Military Images

Senator John A. DeFrancisco announced legislation that would make it a crime to use the name, image, or likeness of any current or former member of the armed forces or state militia for commercial purposes without permission, passed the New York state Senate on June 13, 2012. 

“There have been numerous incidents where the names of soldiers killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have been used without concern for the solider or the soldier’s family,” said Senator DeFrancisco. “Our military members, veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for our country, and it is essential that we respect their privacy.”

The bill would make it a class E felony for a commercial enterprise to use the image, name or likeness of a current, former or deceased member of the military without the permission of that person or his or her family if the person is deceased.

“We need to prevent the exploitation of the brave men and women who give so much to secure our freedom,” said Senator DeFrancisco.

The bill has been sent to the State Assembly and is awaiting approval by that body.