Bill > SB307

This bill establishes a veteran diversion program, requiring prosecutors to offer this option to veterans who have a condition stemming from their military service that may have contributed to a misdemeanor or a low-level felony offense, and expands the reasons a judge can reduce a sentence for veterans. The diversion program involves evidence-based treatment tailored to veterans' needs, with a case plan developed in collaboration with the veteran and overseen by the county or district attorney, often with assistance from community correctional services. The bill also mandates training for law enforcement and prosecutors on issues affecting veterans, including those disproportionately impacting female veterans, and requires annual reporting on the program's outcomes. Furthermore, it amends existing law to allow judges to consider a veteran's military service, including merit, overseas deployment, exposure to danger, and service-connected disability ratings, as a mitigating factor when deciding on a sentence, and explicitly states that being a veteran cannot be an aggravating factor. This new legislation replaces the previous law regarding veteran status as a mitigating factor for sentencing departures.

Justice

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb307/