summary
Introduced
10/16/2025
10/16/2025
In Committee
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Crossed Over
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to veterans affairs; amending s. 394.47891, F.S.; revising the admissions process for veterans treatment court programs; authorizing the court, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team, to determine eligibility for veterans treatment court programs; requiring the court to consider the recommendation of the state attorney when making an eligibility determination; amending s. 948.01, F.S.; authorizing sentencing courts to divert defendants to veterans treatment court programs under certain circumstances; requiring certain notice be provided to defendants; providing for disposition of probation or community control violations by program participants; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Florida's veterans treatment court programs by changing the admissions process and eligibility requirements. The bill authorizes courts, in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant's eligibility for veterans treatment court programs, while requiring the court to consider the state attorney's recommendation. The bill expands opportunities for veterans and servicemembers with service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, or psychological problems to participate in treatment programs instead of traditional criminal prosecution. Starting July 1, 2026, sentencing courts can place defendants with nonviolent felonies into postadjudicatory veterans treatment court programs, with program completion becoming a condition of probation or community control. The bill requires defendants to be fully informed about the program and agree to participate, and it allows the veterans treatment court judge to handle any probation or community control violations by program participants. This legislation aims to provide specialized support and rehabilitation for veterans involved in the criminal justice system by offering an alternative approach that addresses underlying service-related challenges and promotes community reintegration.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Patt Maney (R)*,
Robin Bartleman (D),
Yvette Benarroch (R),
Dean Black (R),
Kimberly Daniels (D),
Johanna López (D),
Jim Mooney (R),
Michelle Salzman (R),
David Smith (R),
Debra Tendrich (D),
Other Sponsors (2)
Criminal Justice Subcommittee (House), Judiciary Committee (House)
Last Action
Received (on 02/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/BillText/c2/PDF |
| Analysis - Judiciary Committee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/Analyses/h0199c.JDC.PDF |
| Analysis - Judiciary Committee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/Analyses/h0199b.JDC.PDF |
| Analysis - Criminal Justice Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/Analyses/h0199a.CRM.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/BillText/c1/PDF |
| https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/Amendment/937651/PDF | |
| Analysis - Criminal Justice Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/Analyses/h0199.CRM.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/199/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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