Bill > HR6003

This bill establishes a pilot program directed by the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to help state prisons and local jails improve their documentation of incarcerated veterans. The program aims to address several key challenges facing veterans in the criminal justice system, including the fact that approximately 181,000 veterans are currently incarcerated, and more than half suffer from mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders. The pilot program will provide grants and technical assistance to jails and prisons, with the specific purposes of helping veterans access benefits, supporting state veterans affairs offices, and increasing the number of veterans diverted to veterans treatment courts. When selecting grant recipients, priority will be given to jurisdictions with high veteran populations, high veteran poverty rates, and existing veterans treatment courts or diversion programs. The bill recognizes that veterans released from incarceration have specialized reentry needs and may be at greater risk for suicide. By improving documentation, the program seeks to better identify and support justice-involved veterans, connecting them with appropriate resources and treatment alternatives to traditional incarceration.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6003/all-info