Bill > H0845

This bill modifies Florida's veterans treatment court programs to provide more flexibility and clarity in the admission and participation process for veterans and servicemembers with service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, or psychological problems. The bill allows courts, in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant's eligibility for veterans treatment court programs, removing previous requirements that the state attorney be the primary decision-maker. The legislation authorizes sentencing courts to divert defendants with nonviolent felonies to veterans treatment court programs, with satisfactory program completion becoming a condition of probation or community control. Defendants must be fully informed about the program and agree to participate voluntarily. The bill also establishes that any probation or community control violations by program participants will be heard by the veterans treatment court judge, who can dispose of violations as deemed appropriate. These changes aim to provide a more rehabilitative approach for veterans who have committed nonviolent offenses, recognizing the potential impact of service-related mental health challenges on criminal behavior. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs, Justice

Criminal Justice Subcommittee (H), Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee (H), Judiciary Committee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/845