Downloads
CS/CS/HB 199 — Veterans Affairs
by Judiciary Committee; Criminal Justice Subcommittee; and Rep. Maney and others (CS/SB 50 by Criminal Justice Committee and Senator Gaetz)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Criminal Justice Committee (CJ)
The bill revises the admissions process for veterans treatment court programs. The bill removes the requirement for a defendant to apply to the state attorney for veterans treatment court, and instead authorizes the court, in consultation with the multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant’s eligibility into the program. Any recommendation of the state attorney must be considered.
Additionally, the bill authorizes a sentencing court to place a defendant into a postadjudicatory veterans treatment court program if the offense was a nonviolent felony and the defendant is a servicemember or veteran, and is otherwise eligible. The defendant must be fully advised of the purpose of the program and agree to enter the program. Satisfactory completion of the program must be a condition of probation or community control. Any violation of probation or community control must be heard by the judge presiding over the veterans treatment court.
If approved by the Governor, or allowed to become law without the Governor's signature, these provisions take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 110-0