Delighting public safety advocates, Legislature OKs Veterans Treatment Courts expansion

The Senate has unanimously approved a measure that aims to expand the state’s Veteran’s Treatment Courts.

The Senate voted 37-0 to pass the bill (HB 199) from Rep. Patt Maney. Maney is a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, member of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council and former Judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit.

The measure cleared the House earlier this month on a 110-0 vote.

The bill would allow courts, working with a multidisciplinary team, to determine eligibility for veterans treatment programs while still requiring judges to consider State Attorneys’ recommendations and a defined set of factors, including the nature of a given offense, the defendant’s history, victim input and treatment resources.

It would also authorize sentencing courts to divert eligible service members and veterans convicted of certain nonviolent, third-degree felonies into Treatment Court programs as a condition of probation or community control.

“This is a big win for our veterans,” said Maney, who also presided over Florida’s first-ever Veterans Treatment Court.

“Florida is home to the second-largest population of military veterans in the nation and, without a doubt, we are leading the nation in veteran care and quality of life. Veterans Treatment Courts hold participants accountable while addressing the underlying challenges our veterans face, producing better outcomes for them, their families, and Florida’s communities.”

The measure would align Veterans Treatment Courts with other successful specialty courts. It received broad support, including from veterans groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Alliance for Safety and Justice celebrated the Legislature’s passage of the measure Thursday.

“Florida has long acknowledged that military service can have profound, long-term effects that we have a responsibility to address,” said Katie Bohnett, Florida State Director for the Alliance for Safety and Justice. “SB 50/HB 199 reflects that understanding by removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring veterans courts operate fairly, consistently, and effectively.”

The group notes that veterans involved in the criminal justice system often commit offenses that are connected to serve-related trauma, medical conditions or substance use disorders. The Veterans Treatment Courts provide judicial oversight while also employing compassion through treatment, mentoring and accountability requirements.

The approach has shown success in reducing recidivism while strengthening families and improving public safety, the Alliance said.

“As a crime survivor and veteran, I strongly believe that accountability and public safety must always come first. This bill helps veterans overcome the trauma or addiction that led to their offense which increases public safety and benefits for veterans, survivors and the community,” said Pastor Jearlyn Dennie, Flagler County Chapter Leader of Crime Survivor Speak.

Added Mike Crook, the Florida State Chair for the Christian Coalition: “Veterans treatment courts are demanding programs. Participants must comply with treatment, submit to close supervision, and meet strict requirements. When they succeed, communities are safer, which brings families together. When they fail, courts retain full authority to impose consequences, which tears families apart.”

If Gov. Ron DeSantis does not veto the measure, which he is not expected to do, it will take effect July 1.

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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.