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Friday, March 3, 2006 · Last updated 4:55 p.m. PT
Fake diploma could land you in jail
Not only would it become illegal for people to lie on their resumes about their academic credentials, but according to a bill lawmakers passed today, the move could land that liar in jail.
State senators unanimously amended and approved a bill that would make issuing or using a fake or otherwise unaccredited degree a class C felony, a crime of fraud that could warrant five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The new legislation also makes it illegal to lie orally, as well as in writing.
"When they're using them, they're actually perpetuating a fraud," said state Sen. Mark Schoesler, a Republican from Eastern Washington who originally introduced legislation in the Senate that would criminalize both issuing and using bogus degrees and diplomas.
Schoesler's bill was moved aside when the state House of Representatives unanimously passed its own bill that would make the act illegal in a civil court and subject to a civil penalty. But the state Senate amended it to reflect the tougher standard.
The bill must now go back to the House for concurrence. Rep. Phyllis Kenney, D-Seattle, indicated the bill will soon be the law.
Once final, the law would take effect in July.
The legislation was brought mainly to close loopholes in laws governing academic accreditation that allowed "diploma mills" to thrive within Washington's borders. The term is used to describe businesses that purport to be educational institutions, but really only sell consumers a paper degree and a verification service -- should potential employers inquire.
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