Bill > SB179

This bill requires various Ohio institutions and entities involved in the criminal justice system, including correctional facilities, courts, probation departments, and veterans service commissions, to verify the veteran status of individuals who are imprisoned or facing imprisonment. These institutions must designate at least one staff member to investigate veteran status using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' reentry search service, and if an individual is confirmed as a veteran, the institution must note this status on appropriate records. Additionally, these institutions must assist verified veterans in connecting with veteran-related services such as county veteran service commissions, veteran service organizations, and the Veterans Justice Outreach program. The bill also modifies existing provisions in the jail register to include veteran status and expands the duties of veterans service commissions to potentially include providing financial assistance to veterans treatment courts and hiring staff to support these courts. The goal of the bill is to ensure that veterans in the criminal justice system have access to appropriate support and resources that can help them address potential underlying issues and reduce recidivism.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb179